Drug Addicts Slow To Change Sexual Habits (Press, 24 December 1988)
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Summary: Drug Addicts Slow To Change Sexual Habits (Press, 24 December 1988)
A study conducted by the Health Department, titled "Intravenous Drug Use in New Zealand," revealed that only 30 per cent of 310 intravenous drug users surveyed had altered their sexual behaviours in response to the risk of acquiring AIDS. This report, authored by Stephen Lungley, indicated that 70 per cent of participants were engaged with drug rehabilitation clinics, with 17 per cent of them being first-time attendees. The study found that the majority of the drug users were heterosexual, while 9 per cent of males identified as homosexual or bisexual, and 21 per cent of females did likewise. The survey showed that nearly all participants had been sexually active in the year leading up to the study. Among them, 20 per cent reported having more than five sexual partners, and 10 per cent engaged in sex work for money. Despite awareness of the risks associated with shared needle use, only 30 per cent of those surveyed had changed their drug-related sexual habits due to fears surrounding AIDS. The data collection for the study took place late in 1987 and early in 1988, prior to the initiation of a needle and syringe exchange programme in New Zealand. Of the participants, 82 per cent had used drugs in the three months before the study, with over half sharing needles or syringes during that period. Notably, many of those who did share needles limited this to only one other person. Lungley highlighted that many used needles and syringes were often passed on to other drug users. While the participants were generally aware of the dangers of sharing such equipment, Lungley noted that there seemed to be a gap in understanding the full implications of the risks associated with HIV transmission. Lungley also commented on New Zealand's relatively low number of intravenous drug users compared to other countries. He expressed hope that the findings of the study would help the Health Department evaluate the effectiveness of the needle and syringe exchange programme and identify areas where greater awareness of the risks could be promoted among users.
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