SUBSTANCE USE AND RISKY SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR FOR EXPOSURE TO HIV - ISSUES IN METHODOLOGY, INTERPRETATION, AND PREVENTION

Recent reports have suggested that the use of alcohol or drugs is rela ted to sexual behavior that is high risk for HIV infection. If substan ce use leads to unsafe sexual activity, understanding the dynamics of this relationship can contribute to research and preventive and educat ional efforts to contain the spread of AIDS. In this article, we revie w research on the relationship between substance use and high-risk sex ual behavior We then consider the inherent limitations of the research designs used to study this relationship, outline some methodological concerns including measurement and sampling issues, and comment on cau sal interpretations of correlational research findings. We end with a consideration of potential avenues for future research and a discussio n of implications of these findings for current AIDS prevention polici es.