A BRIDGE TOO NEAR - INJECTING DRUG-USERS SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR

One-hundred-and-fifty injecting drug users were interviewed about thei r sexual behaviour, and types of sexual relationships and partners in the past year. The aims of the study were to assess the extent of chan ges in sexual HIV-risk behaviour patterns and to understand aspects of respondents' sexual relationships, as well as HIV/AIDS knowledge. We found few changes in sexual behaviour. The ability to assess personal HIV-risk varied widely across the sample and intoxication during sexua l activity was widely reported. Whilst the use of condoms was infreque nt, young respondents were more likely to use condoms, but have more s exual partners, hence a likely erosion of any net gain may have occurr ed. Over half of the respondents were in sexually monogamous relations hips and there were no significant gender-related differences in respe ct of regular partners' IDU-status. Estimated rates of seroprevalence in Perth are low and with the effectiveness of deterrence dependent on visible negative outcomes, it may be difficult to ensure safer-sex me ssages are heeded. These concerns are raised and facilitation of safer -sex among IDUs are discussed. Further areas of research are recommend ed.