Sexual Behaviours and Condom Use in a Sample of Brazilian Crack Cocaine Smokers

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.