Alcohol, drugs and AIDS-related risks: results from a prospective study

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between AIDS-related risks amongst a cohort of young adults and alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use. Data were elicited by standardized interview and self completed questionnaires from a non-random study group of 350 males and 428 females. Only a minority of respondents reported always using condoms during sexual activity. Over half the study group reported having had only one sexual partner in the past year. Levels of condom use were not significantly associated with general levels of alcohol-consumption or alcohol-related consequences. Experience of alcohol-related consequences by both males and females was associated with the perceived risk of their sexual behaviour. Respondents who reported a high frequency of combining alcohol and sex were seven times less likely than others to report always using condoms for vaginal intercourse.