Psychosocial risk and protective factors for condom use among female injection drug users

The authors examined the influences of domains of psychosocial risk and protective factors on male-partner condom use in a cobort of 209 female HIV-positive (HIV+) and HIV-negative (HIV-) injection drug users (IDUs) by use of a cross-sectional, retrospective design. Information collected from a structured questionnaire included data on psychosocial risk and protective factors in the personality, family, and peer domains; HIV status; and condom use. Among HIV+ IDUs, personality risk factors (e.g., unconventionality), family (e.g., low maternal identification), and peer factors were related to less male-partner condom use. Resources and condom availability were associated with greater male condom use with both HIV+ and HIV- IDUs. The psychosocial domains affected male condom use with both HIV+ and HIV- female IDU patients via two different mediational models. The findings suggest the need to use specific psychosocial interventions for risky sexual behavior among HIV+ and HIV- female IDUs.