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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 10/2016

01-10-2016 | Original Paper

HIV Risk Behavior Among Methamphetamine Users Entering Substance Abuse Treatment in Cape Town, South Africa

Authors: Christina S. Meade, Ryan R. Lion, Daniella M. Cordero, Melissa H. Watt, John A. Joska, Hetta Gouse, Warren Burnhams

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 10/2016

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Abstract

South Africa is experiencing a growing methamphetamine problem, and there is concern that methamphetamine use may accelerate HIV transmission. There has been little research on the HIV prevention needs of methamphetamine users receiving substance abuse treatment in South Africa. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of HIV risk behaviors among 269 methamphetamine users entering substance abuse treatment in two clinics in Cape Town. The prevalence of sexual risk behaviors was high among sexually active participants: 34 % multiple partners, 26 % unprotected intercourse with a casual partner, and 24 % sex trading for money/methamphetamine. The strongest predictor of all sexual risk behaviors was concurrent other drug use. Over half had not been HIV tested in the past year, and 25 % had never been tested, although attitudes toward HIV testing were overwhelmingly positive. This population of primarily heterosexual, non-injecting methamphetamine users is a high-risk group in need of targeted HIV prevention interventions. Substance abuse treatment is an ideal setting in which to reach methamphetamine users for HIV services.
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Metadata
Title
HIV Risk Behavior Among Methamphetamine Users Entering Substance Abuse Treatment in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors
Christina S. Meade
Ryan R. Lion
Daniella M. Cordero
Melissa H. Watt
John A. Joska
Hetta Gouse
Warren Burnhams
Publication date
01-10-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 10/2016
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1333-x

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