International Journal of STD & AIDS > Volume 17, Number 4 > Pp. 247-253

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ross, J D C Articles by Radcliffe, K W Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Social Bookmarking                      What's this?

Original research articles

Why do those using illicit drugs have higher rates of sexually transmitted infection?

J D C Ross and K W Radcliffe

Whittall Street Clinic, Birmingham B4 6DH, UK; Whittall Street Clinic, Birmingham B4 6DH, UK

The study was designed to assess the association between drug use and gonorrhoea in a UK setting and determine whether any differences identified could be explained by variations in sexual behaviour. A case control analysis was undertaken in a population of men and women presenting to an inner city sexually transmitted diseases clinic. The results were analysed using a multivariate model incorporating demographic and behavioural factors potentially associated with acquiring gonorrhoea. Infection with gonorrhoea was found to be associated with illicit drug use (odds ratio 1.8, 1.2–2.8) and the association became non-significant after controlling for sexual behaviour factors. Moderate alcohol use (<5 units/week) was associated with acquiring gonorrhoea but heavier use was not. Patients who used illicit drugs had more casual partners and more foreign partners than those with no history of drug use, but an increased numbers of foreign partners were not associated with a higher prevalence of gonorrhoea. It was concluded that drug use is associated with gonorrhoea in a UK setting. Specific sexual behaviours reported by drug users may increase their risk of gonorrhoea and provide potential targets for behavioural interventions.

Key Words: DRUG USE • SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE • GONORRHOEA • RISK BEHAVIOUR

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?