The risk of HIV infection in a national sample of women with injection drug-using partners.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports on a large, national cohort of women with injection drug-using sex partners. Information is provided on demographic characteristics; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factors, including unprotected sex and incidence of sexually transmitted diseases; use of noninjected drugs; HIV serostatus; and other selected health variables. METHODS: A sample of 5162 heterosexual women was recruited for a national acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) research and demonstration project. A structured interview was administered, and the women had the option of undergoing HIV testing. Statistical analyses compared three groups on variables of interest: women with single sex partners, women with multiple partners, and women with multiple partners who exchanged sex for drugs and/or money. RESULTS: These groups differed significantly on virtually all of the demographic and risk variables examined. Women with multiple partners who exchanged sex for drugs and/or money were at higher risk for HIV than women in the other groups, even when selected demographic variables were controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Research is needed on the efficacy of prevention efforts involving these diverse groups of women at risk for AIDS.