Alcohol and Drug Use During Sexual Activity and Compliance with Safe Sex Guidelines for AIDS: The AIDS Behavioral Research Project

Abstract

This article describes the association between drug and alcohol use during sexual activity and high-risk sex for AIDS. Data to test this association are drawn from a prospective study of the behavioral changes made by gay men in San Francisco in response to the AIDS epidemic. Findings drawn from the May, 1984 and May 1985 waves of data collection are described. The cross-sectional analysis showed that use of particular drugs during sex, the number of drugs used during such activity, and the frequency of combining drugs and sex are all positively associated with risky sexual activity for AIDS. The retrospective data showed that men who currently abstained from combining drug use with sexual activity were likely to have been at no risk for AIDS over two measurement points during the previous year. The men who currently combined drug use with sex were most likely to have a history of high-risk sexual activity over the previous year. These findings show a strong relationship between drug and alcohol use during sex and non-compliance with safe sex techniques to prevent the spread of AIDS. Implications of this relationship for AIDS health education efforts are discussed.

Impact of Recent Stressful Experiences on HIV-Risk-Related Behaviors

“…This finding is consistent with research that showed a causal link between illicit drug use and HIV-risk behavior in this population (Halkitis, Parsons, & Stirratt, 2001;Stall et al, 1986;Stall & Purcell, 2000;Waldo, McFarland, Katz, MacKellar, & Valleroy, 2000). However, drug use did not significantly mediate the effects of stress on unprotected anal intercourse.…”

“…While previous research has linked alcohol use with risky sexual behaviors (Stall, McKusick, Wiley, Coates, & Ostrow, 1986), only illicit drug use significantly predicted inconsistent condom use in the current study. This finding is consistent with research that showed a causal link between illicit drug use and HIV-risk behavior in this population (Halkitis, Parsons, & Stirratt, 2001;Stall et al, 1986;Stall & Purcell, 2000;Waldo, McFarland, Katz, MacKellar, & Valleroy, 2000).…”

Global Fund needs to address conflict of interest

“…[4][5][6][7] Reducing alcohol use can therefore be seen as key to reducing HIV infection. [8][9][10] Yet this inevitably conflicts with SABMiller's underlying goal of maximizing profits from alcohol sales.…”

Alcohol – a Public Health Problem. Is There a Role for the General Practitioner?

“…Misuse of alcohol is related to risk taking, disinhibition and lack of self-care, and these types of behaviour are associated with the risk of contracting AIDS. Stall et al 12 found a strong relationship between the use of drugs and/or alcohol during sexual activity and noncompliance with safety techniques. AIDS prevention programmes need to take into account the complex relationships between alcohol and drug misuse and sexual activity.…”