A COMPARISON OF HIV RISK BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN WHO INJECT DRUGS

Although there is growing evidence of differences between women and me n who inject drugs (IDUs) in terms of level of risk for HIV infection, very little research has been conducted specifically addressing the r isk practices of women IDUs. This study formed part of a national stud y of HIV infection risks in IDUs and the purpose of the present analys is was an exploration of gender differences in HIV risk practices, foc using on the HIV risk practices of IDU women. 1,245 IDUs from the inne r city area of Sydney took part in this study. Of these, 908 were men and 331 were women. Notable results were that female respondents were more likely to report sharing needles, they injected heroin more times in a typical using month and were more likely to have shared with som eone they later found out was HIV seropositive. Female respondents als o reported more sexual partners than men, were more likely to engage i n prostitution, and were more likely to have sexual partners who were themselves IDUs. The results provide support for the proposition that women who inject drugs may be at greater risk of HIV infection through both their drug taking and their sexual practices. Further research i s needed to explore the reasons underlying the risk practices of women who inject drugs and an understanding of these factors needs to be in corporated into HIV risk-reduction and drug harm-reduction policies an d programs.