Associations between Impulsivity and High Risk Sexual Behaviors in Dually Diagnosed Outpatients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is unknown whether impulsivity is associated with risky sexual behavior in dually diagnosed clients. METHODS: Impulsivity in 51 sexually-active, dually diagnosed clients was assessed by the Barrett Impulsivity Scale, Delayed Discounting Questionnaire, and Wisconsin Card-Sorting Task, and a path analysis of relationship to self-reported risk behaviors was conducted. RESULTS: Recent cocaine use was correlated with risky sexual behaviors and a preference for immediate over larger, delayed rewards trended towards a correlation. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The association between impulsivity and risky sexual behavior among substance users appears to extend to the dually diagnosed. Implications for HIV prevention are discussed.