HIV, Hepatitis, STD and Reproductive Health Risk Behaviors among Female Seattle Methamphetamine Users

Methamphetamine use has increased rapidly in the Seattle area and in other regions of the U.S. in recent years. Within the growing epidemic, women appear to be at increased risk for both methamphetamine use and HIV, as indicated by rising treatment admissions (a 1240% increase between 1992 and 1998). This project, funded by the UW Center for AIDS Research, expanded on earlier research by collecting data on 25 female methamphetamine users in Seattle. Participants were interviewed about their drug use patterns, sexual behavior, reproductive health and risk, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other STD risk behavior, and quality of life including the presence of violence. The study aimed to provide a profile of female methamphetamine users that could support the generation of effective intervention strategies.

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