Sexual risk behaviors and associated factors among people who use drugs (PWUD)
- VernacularTitle:Мансууруулах бодис хэрэглэгчдийн дундах бэлгийн эрсдэлт зан үйл ба түүнтэй холбоотой зарим хүчин зүйлс
- Author:
Bilguun N
1
;
Khongorzul D
1
;
Tergel Kh
1
;
Davaalkham J
2
;
Khishigsuren Z
1
;
Oyunsuren D
1
Author Information
1. Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences
2. HIV/STI Surveillance and Research Division, National Center for Communicable Diseases
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Substance abuse;
High-risk sexual behavior;
Alcohol-involved sex;
STIs;
HIV vulnerability;
Risk reduction strategies
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2026;94(4):43-48
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Substance use remains a critical public health and social concern, closely linked to increased sexual risk behaviors and a heightened vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV and syphilis. International and national evidence suggests that individuals who use drugs often experience impaired judgment during intoxication, leading to unprotected intercourse, casual sexual encounters, and multiple sexual partners. In Mongolia, empirical data regarding sexual risk behaviors within this population remain scarce. Therefore, there is a pressing need to determine the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors and identify the specific factors influencing these patterns among drug users.
Materials and Methods:This study employed a cross-sectional analytical design involving 181 participants who use drugs. Data were collected via structured questionnaires. Sexual risk behavior was evaluated using two approaches: as a dichotomous categorical variable and as a cumulative sexual risk score. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency distributions, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The associations between variables were tested using the (chi square test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression models.
Results:The findings revealed that 12.2% of participants exhibited high-level sexual risk behaviors, with a mean cumulative risk score of 8.13 ±4.40. Engaging in sexual intercourse while under the influence of alcohol, the frequency of intoxicated sex (reported as "often" or "always"), and a history of casual sexual encounters were significantly associated with sexual risk behaviors. Furthermore, gender, cohabitation status, condom use during the first sexual experience, and the frequency of alcohol-involved sexual encounters were statistically significant predictors of the cumulative risk score. A weak positive correlation was observed between the number of sexual partners in the past year and the cumulative sexual risk score, which remained a significant positive predictor in the linear regression model.
Conclusion:Sexual risk behavior among people who use drugs is more closely associated with behavioral factors—such as alcohol-influenced sexual activity, casual encounters, lack of condom use during sexual debut, and multiple partnership—than with basic socio-demographic characteristics. Consequently, risk reduction interventions should move beyond general awareness. Efforts must prioritize reducing substance- and alcohol-related sexual risks, promoting consistent condom use, and enhancing the accessibility of STI screening and counseling services tailored to this high-risk group.
- Full text:202610012216508325508_43-48_Мансууруулах бодис хэрэглэгчдийн дундах бэлгийн эрсдэлт зан үйл ба түүнтэй холбоотой зарим хүчин зүйлс.pdf
