Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #241  -  Marijuana use prior to sexual intercourse and condom use interaction as predictor of HIV risk perception among inner city African American women
Session:
  6.16: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr GBADEBO OGUNGBADE - UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, United States
 
  Additional Authors:  Dr EKERE ESSIEN, Dr LAURENS HOLMESJr,  
Aim:
AIDS incidence is highest among African American women (AAW), representing an estimated 68-72% of total AIDS cases among States women. While heterosexuality has been repeatedly implicated in the HIV risk profile among this sub-population, how incriminating marijuana use is remains to be fully understood. We aimed to assess the association between marijuana use, condom use, and the interaction between marijuana and condom use, and HIV risk perception.
 
Method / Issue:
In a prospective study of a theory-based HIV intervention directed towards persistent condom use and HIV risk behavioral reduction, we utilized the baseline data to examine the relevant covariates namely sociodemographics, drug use, persistent condom use, and HIV risk perception from 280 African American women, age 18 years and older residing in Houston, Texas. Chi square statistic, Mantel Haenzsel risk ratio, and multivariable logistic regression model were used to examine the effect of the relevant covariates on HIV risk perception, controlling for confounding.
 
Results / Comments:
Marijuana use varied statistically significantly by sexual relationship status, HIV risk perception, condom use, and education, p < 0.05. Specifically, there was a significant difference in condom use between users and none users of marijuana, 2 (2, N=231)= 6.85, p = 0.03. In the unadjusted model, marijuana users were 3 times more likely to perceive themselves at risk for HIV infection, prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 3.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40 - 8.17. After adjustment for age and condom use, there was significant increase in HIV risk perception in users compared with non-users of marijuana, adjusted prevalence odds ratio (APOR), 5.14, 95% CI, (1.51- 17.5). Compared with condom users, non-users were 78% less likely to perceive themselves at risk for HIV infection, POR = 0.22, 95% CI, (0.05 0.94). However, interaction indicated no significance, P > 0.05.
 
Discussion:
Among African American women, marijuana use increases HIV risk perception but does not increase condom use. This result indicates a direct correlation between the actual risk for HIV infection such as drug use and the individual's perception of HIV risk. Our finding is indicative of the need to model condom use in interventions aimed to increase HIV protective behavior in the targeted population.
 
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