This study examines the social support network of 109 female methadone
patients and explores the relationship between social support and bac
kground variables, attitudes toward safer sex and sexual risk behavior
. Subjects reported small supportive networks consisting primarily of
drug users. Women who felt more loved by, respected by, and involved w
ith a network of communication and mutual obligation, were more likely
to feel comfortable talking about safer sex with their sexual partner
s and asking their sexual partners about their HIV status. They were a
lso less likely to believe that their sexual partners would be upset i
f they suggested using a condom. No association was found between soci
al support and frequency of condom use or frequency of sex with IV dru
g users during the last six months. Findings suggest the plausibility
of multifaceted social support network interventions designed for meth
adone maintained women at high risk for HIV infection.