Risky Sexual Behaviors, Substance Use, and Perceptions of Risky Behaviors Among Criminal Justice Involved Women Who Trade Sex

Abstract

This study examined risky sexual behaviors, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV)-defined alcohol and substance use disorders, and perceptions of risky behaviors among community released, justice-involved women, who are currently trading sex (CTS), formerly traded sex (FTS), or have never traded sex. Data were derived from 266 sexually active women recruited from a Municipal Drug Court System in St. Louis, Missouri. In an adjusted multinomial regression model, being dependent on alcohol and cocaine was the most robust correlate of sex-trading status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: CTS = 4.21, FTS = 4.66). Perceptions of sexual risk and HIV were significantly associated with CTS (AOR = 3.39), however, not FTS. Other significant correlates of sex trading status included age, lifetime injection drug use, lower education, child sexual abuse, and unstable housing. Gender-specific interventions tailored toward currently and formerly sex-trading women are needed.

Factors associated with the involvement of women drug users in risky sexual behaviors: A narrative review

“…[ 22 23 ] Jones et al . [ 10 ] showed that there was a significant relationship between a low level of education and involvement in exchange sex (the exchange of monetary or non-monetary items for sex). Marital status: Only two studies have surveyed the relationship between marital status and the involvement of women drug users in risky sexual behaviors whose findings are somewhat contradictory.…”

“…[ 22 23 ] Jones et al . [ 10 ] showed that there was a significant relationship between a low level of education and involvement in exchange sex (the exchange of monetary or non-monetary items for sex).…”

“… Type of drug and intensity of drug use: Some studies have reported that higher levels of drug use and the use of stimulants (such as methamphetamine and cocaine) lead to greater involvement of women drug users in HIV-related sexual behaviors. [ 10 29 30 ] Gore-Felton et al . [ 31 ] showed that as the intensity of drug use by women increases, the likelihood of having multiple sexual partners rises.…”

“…[ 28 ] Jones et al . [ 10 ] showed that women drug users who have experienced sexual abuse before the age of 15 will be more significantly involved in the exchange sex. Inability to negotiate for safer sex: Power inequality in relationships between women drug users involved in exchange sex significantly affects their negotiating power for safe sex.…”

“…[ 8 ] Based on the studies, risky sexual behaviors are more common among drug users compared to the general population. [ 8 9 10 11 12 ] The destructive consequences of risky sexual behaviors are more focused on women because of its nature as well as the existence of gender inequality and gender-based violence. [ 13 14 15 ] Over the past years, various studies have examined the factors associated with the involvement of women drug users in risky sexual behaviors, and psychological, social, cultural, economic, organizational, and political factors have been identified.…”