NCJ Number
203274
Journal
Journal of Addictions Nursing Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: 2003 Pages: 3-9
Editor(s)
Christine Vourakis DNSc
Date Published
2003
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examined differences in drug use and sexual behavior between two age groups of women from a sample of incarcerated substance abusers.
Abstract
In the United States, women continue to use drugs and alcohol at high rates with a linkage to involvement in the criminal justice system. The increasing number of women in prison settings is commonly attributed to drug use and drug-related offenses. These women are likely to have increased treatment needs due to their risky lifestyles. Given the special needs associated with substance abuse among women, examining potential differences in substance use and risky sexual behaviors between older and younger women is potentially important in order to target interventions. This study examined age differences in drug use, sexual activity, and criminal justice involvement between older (aged 35-56) and younger (aged 21-34) incarcerated female substance abusers. The study hypothesized that incarcerated drug using women would report decreased high risk behavior, including drug use and risky sexual activity by age category. The specific questions addressed included: (1) do older women report decreased drug use; (2) do older women report decreased risky sexual behaviors; and (3) do older and younger women differ in their criminal justice involvement? The study consisted of 60 incarcerated females from the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women (KCIW). The study was part of a larger project focusing on health service utilization among incarcerated substance abusers. Results did not support the hypothesis. There were few differences in drug use and sexual activity between the two age groups of women. There were no significant differences across age groups in any substance use during the year before incarceration. Older women reported significantly more years of alcohol use. In addition, there were not significant differences in the number of lifetime sexual partners or the number of times of exchanging sex for drugs or money. Lastly, there were no significant differences in risky sexual behavior during the year prior to incarceration in the number of sex partners or the percentage of women exchanging sex for drugs or money. Future research is recommended in the examination of the role of family relationships, parenting, support networks, employment, and health service utilization to better understand the impact of drug use in different developmental stages for adult women. References