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High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Sexual and injecting risk behaviours among regular ecstasy users.
Matthew Dunn1, Carolyn Day, Raimondo Bruno
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales NSW, 2052 Australia. m.dunn@unsw.edu.au
Addictive Behaviors
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Regular ecstasy users in Australia engage in high-risk sexual behaviors and low rates of HIV testing. Targeted health interventions are needed for this vulnerable population to prevent blood-borne viral infections (BBVI).
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Substance users face elevated risks for HIV and blood-borne viral infections (BBVI) via injecting drug use and sexual behaviors.
- Ecstasy use is associated with specific risk factors that warrant investigation regarding BBVI transmission.
- Understanding testing behaviors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies in at-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess BBVI risk behaviors, particularly sexual practices, among regular ecstasy users in Australia.
- To determine the prevalence of Blood-Borne Viral Infection (BBVI) testing within this cohort.
- To identify factors associated with risk behaviors and testing uptake.
Main Methods:
- A sentinel group of regular ecstasy users was recruited across Australia in 2007.
- Participants completed structured interviews covering substance use, sexual behaviors, and BBVI testing history.
- Statistical analysis was used to examine associations between demographics, behaviors, and testing status.
Main Results:
- High rates of unprotected sex were reported: 77% with regular partners and 54% with casual partners in the past 6 months.
- Fifty percent of participants had never undergone an HIV test.
- Inconsistent condom use and lower HIV testing rates were associated with heterosexual orientation.
Conclusions:
- Regular ecstasy users exhibit significant engagement in behaviors that increase BBVI transmission risk.
- A substantial proportion of this population remains untested for HIV, indicating a gap in healthcare engagement.
- Tailored health promotion strategies are essential to reach young, heterosexual substance users with relevant prevention messages and testing services.
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