Correlates of trading sex for methamphetamine in a sample of HIV-negative heterosexual methamphetamine users

J Psychoactive Drugs. 2011 Apr-Jun;43(2):79-88. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2011.587390.

Abstract

While many studies have examined correlates of trading sex for money, few have examined factors associated with exclusive trading of sex for drugs. We identified sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological correlates of trading sex for methamphetamine in a sample of HIV-negative heterosexual men and women who were enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention in San Diego, California. Of 342 participants, 26% overall (21% of males and 31% of females) reported trading sex for methamphetamine in the past two months. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that recently trading sex for methamphetamine was independently associated with being female, homeless, binging on methamphetamine, sexual victimization in the past two months, engaging in anal sex 24 or more times in the past two months, and higher sexual compulsivity scores. Effective interventions for this high-risk population should consider gender-focused counseling for sexual abuse, motivational enhancement therapy, social-cognitive skills training, as well as enhanced access and utilization of social services, including drug treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • California / epidemiology
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants*
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • Heterosexuality / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine*
  • Middle Aged
  • Minority Groups
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sex Work / psychology*
  • Sex Work / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methamphetamine