Research Article, J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil Vol: 3 Issue: 2
Sexual Behaviours and Condom Use in a Sample of Brazilian Crack Cocaine Smokers
Alessandra Diehl1*, Denise Leite Vieira1, Hussein Rassool G2, Sandra Cristina Pillon3 and Ronaldo Laranjeira1 |
1Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), National Institute of Alcohol and Drugs Policy (INPAD), Brazil |
2Sakina Counselling Institute, Mauritius |
3University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Nursing at Ribeirão Preto, Brazil |
Corresponding author : Alessandra Diehl Rua Botucatu, 394 - Vila Clementino, 04038-001 - São Paulo - SP, Brazil Tel/Fax: (55 11) 55795643 E-mail: alediehl@terra.com.br |
Received: February 02, 2014 Accepted: March 27, 2014 Published: March 31, 2014 |
Citation: Diehl A, Vieira DL, Rassool GH, Pillon SC, Laranjeira R (2014) Sexual Behaviours and Condom Use in a Sample of Brazilian Crack Cocaine Smokers. J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil 3:2. doi:10.4172/2324-9005.1000120 |
Abstract
Sexual Behaviours and Condom Use in a Sample of Brazilian Crack Cocaine Smokers
Crack cocaine smokers exhibit high levels of risky sexual behaviours. The current study examined a cohort of Brazilian crack cocaine smokers (n=304) admitted to an addiction inpatient care unit, assessing the reasons for risky sexual behaviours and their non-use of condom. Using a drug abuse screening test (DAST) and semi-structured questionnaires to collect socio-demographic data and sexual behaviour characteristics, the study showed that nearly half of the sample, mostly men, never used condoms or used condoms inconsistently. The main reasons for not using condoms included steady partner, disruption of sensitivity, and too much sexual arousal. Gender was the most important variable for discriminating non-use of condoms. In men, the number of partners and race were predictors of condom use. In both genders, more severe dependence was associated with higher rates of non-use of condoms and sexual activity in the last 12 months. Condom use is an important issue for the development and implementation ofgender-targeted, culturally appropriate interventions to promote condom use in crack cocaine smokers.