Gender Differences in Sex-Risk Behaviors, Economic Livelihood, and Self-Concept Among Drug Injectors and Crack Smokers

• NCJ Number: 158262
• Journal: American Journal on Addictions Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 313-322
• Author(s): R E Booth; S K Koester; F Pinto
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A comparison of male and female drug abusers from inner-city neighborhoods conducted in 1991 and 1992 revealed that female drug abusers revealed that female drug abusers were at higher risk than males for HIV as a result of high- risk sexual behavior.

Abstract

Specifically, women were more likely than men to have had sexual relations with a drug injector and greater involvement in prostitution, including exchanging sex for drugs or money. Women had fewer legitimate employment opportunities and were less likely to have received support through illegal sources, excluding prostitution, than men. Women had significantly lowered perceived self-concept, greater depression, and more anxiety than men. Gender, economic means of support, and self-concept were highly interrelated. Findings underscore the need for interventions that address the economically marginalized position of addicted women and their low self-concept. Tables and 73 references (Author abstract modified)