CLINICAL TRIALS NETWORK

NIDA-CTN-0019
HIV/STD Safer Sex Skills Groups for Women in Methadone Maintenance or Drug-Free Outpatient Treatment Programs

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Susan Tross
st130@columbia.edu
(212) 420-4468

Women in drug-using communities are one of the fastest growing groups of people with AIDS in the U.S. Female drug users, even if they are in drug treatment, are at especially high risk for heterosexual transmission of HIV. First, they are often in primary sexual relationships with male drug users. Second, like their male peers, despite treatment, some continue to use drugs. Under the influence of drugs, especially cocaine or crack, they are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. It has been shown that drug abuse treatment can reduce activities related to drug use that increase the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. These behaviors have received less attention, however, than those directly related to drug use. This study looks at a program for women in drug abuse treatment designed to build safer sexual skills and reduce unprotected sexual risk behavior. The program includes five sessions of group treatment that focus on assessing HIV risk, HIV safer sex problem-solving, condom use, negotiation, and assertiveness training. This program will be compared to one session of HIV/STD education, which is typically provided as standard in drug treatment clinics.