Perceptions of Risk for AIDS Among Women in Drug Treatment

In this article factors associated with the self-perceived risk for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were examined using data obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 155 current and former drug-using women in methadone maintenance. Results suggest that drug-involved women are realistic in their self-perceptions of AIDS risk with respect to intravenous (IV) drug-using behavior but underestimate their risk from sexual activity. Perceived risk was associated with current IV drug use, duration of sexual relationship, and partner's nonsupportiveness. Partner's serostatus or history of IV drug use was unrelated to risk perception, as were multiple partners, anal sex, prostitution, and the nonuse of condoms. Implications of these findings for designing interventions for drug-involved women are considered.