INJECTING AND SEXUAL RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOR AMONG REGULAR AMPHETAMINE USERS

A sample of 301 regular amphetamine users were interviewed regarding i njecting and sexual risk-taking behaviours. Two-thirds of subjects wer e injecting the drug, with males being 1.8 times more likely to do so. Nearly half (41%) of injectors had shared injecting equipment in the preceding month. Females were twice as likely as males to report recen t needle sharing. Having a regular sexual partner who injects amphetam ines, using benzodiazepines and experiencing higher levels of psychopa thology were independently associated with needle sharing. The number of sexual partners in the preceding six months was independently assoc iated with having had paid sex in that period, and higher levels of po lydrug use.