THE TRADING OF SEX FOR DRUGS OR MONEY AND HIV SEROPOSITIVITY AMONG FEMALE INTRAVENOUS-DRUG-USERS

Objectives. Data from 538 women in a cohort study recruited in 1988-19 89 were analyzed to determine whether trading sex for drugs or money w as independently associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) se roprevalence in a population of female intravenous drug methods. Metho ds. The women were grouped according to the number of partners with wh om they reported trading sex for drugs or money during the previous 10 years: none, 1 through 49 (low), or 50 or more (high); the prevalence of HIV seropositivity in the three groups was 23.2%, 23.7%, and 47.6% , respectively. Logistic regression used used to compare the low- and high-trade groups separately with the group that reported no trading. Results. Low trading was not associated with seroprevalent HIV infecti on. In a multivariate model, high trading (compared with no trading) w as significantly associated with HIV seropositivity after adjustment f or cocaine use, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and duration of intravenous drug use. Conclusions. These data indicate that, among intravenous drug-using women, high levels of trading sex for drugs or money were independently associated with HIV infection. This group ne eds to be targeted for further intensive intervention.