Background
Rates of sexually transmitted infections
(STI) and unplanned pregnancy are high among youth. While the intersection
between drug and alcohol use and unprotected sex is well recognized, few
studies have examined the relationship between substance use patterns and
unprotected sex among high risk-populations such as street-involved youth.
Methods
Data were derived from the At-Risk Youth
Study (ARYS), a prospective cohort of street-involved youth from Vancouver,
Canada. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to examine substance
use patterns that were independently associated with unprotected sex, defined
as (vaginal or anal) sexual intercourse without consistent condom use.
Results
Between September 2005 and May 2013,
1,026 youth were recruited into the ARYS cohort and 75 % (n = 766) reported engaging in recent unprotected sex at
some point during the study period. In a multivariable analysis, female gender, Caucasian ancestry, being in
a stable relationship, having multiple
sex partners and the following substance
use patterns were all independently associated with recent unprotected sex:
injection or non-injection crystal methamphetamine use, injection or non-injection cocaine use, marijuana use, ecstasy
use and alcohol use.
Conclusions
Unprotected sex was prevalent among
street-involved youth in this setting, and independently associated with female
gender and a wide range of substance use patterns. Evidence-based and
gender-informed sexual health interventions are needed in addition to increased
access to youth-centered addiction treatment services. STI testing and linkages
to healthcare professionals remain important priorities for street-involved
youth, and should be integrated across all health and social services.
Full article at: http://goo.gl/RvznuL
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2627-z
By:
Affiliated with
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
- School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University
More at: https://twitter.com/hiv
insight
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