Document 2055
 DOCN  M94A2055
 TI    Crack smoking methods as risk factors for HIV infection.
 DT    9412
 AU    Porter J; Bonilla L; Drucker E; Hammond JP; Lax L; Dept of Sociology,
       Bryn Mawr College, PA 19010.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):391 (abstract no. PD0170). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370520
 AB    OBJECTIVES: Methods used to smoke crack may be a risk factor for the
       transmission of HIV. Lip injuries transmit HIV through exposure to blood
       on shared devices (pipes) and to semen during oral sex. We investigate
       the relationship between: 1) the way crack is smoked and extent of lip
       injuries; 2) lip injuries and the sharing of crack pipe and unprotected
       oral sex; 3) demographics and high risk crack smoking practices.
       METHODS: 153 crack smokers at a needle exchange program were interviewed
       with a brief questionnaire which investigated crack smoking practices
       and oral sex. RESULTS: 1) Use of metal rather than glass pipes is
       somewhat more likely to create frequent lip injuries (burns). 2) Those
       with frequent lip injuries are also most likely to share pipes, to have
       seen blood on crack pipes, and to have oral sex without condoms and with
       multiple partners. 3) Men, the young, whites, the HIV+, and prostitutes
       are more likely to engage in some of the high risk practices for HIV
       like experiencing lip injuries, smoking with metal pipes, sharing pipes,
       and having unprotected oral sex. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There is a
       pattern of HIV risk behavior associated with crack smoking methods.
       Those who experience lip injuries more often use metal pipes, share
       pipes and report unprotected oral sex. Our findings suggest a need for
       harm reduction programs to stress smoking crack more safely, eg.
       avoiding metal pipes, not sharing crack pipes and using condoms for oral
       sex, especially among prostitutes, males, whites, the young, and HIV+.
 DE    Adolescence  Adult  *Blood-Borne Pathogens  Burns/*COMPLICATIONS
       Condoms  *Crack Cocaine  Female  Human  *HIV  HIV Infections/PREVENTION
       & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION  HIV Seropositivity/TRANSMISSION  Knowledge,
       Attitudes, Practice  Lip/*INJURIES  Male  Prostitution  Risk Factors
       Sex Behavior  Substance Dependence/*COMPLICATIONS  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).