14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11136)

Cymerman P, Goltzman P, Rossi D, Touze G
Intercambios Association, Buenos Aires, Argentina

ISSUES: Drug use trends in Argentina show increasing rates of crack and coca paste use. Despite crack users have a lower rate of HIV infection than injecting drug users, they are a population at significant risk. Their practices need to be better understood to design most adequate interventions.

DESCRIPTION: Since 1999, Intercambios Association is conducting a research and intervention project funded by the International Federation of Catholic Universities. Its purpose is to study sexual and drug use practices in coca paste and crack users from Buenos Aires City and to develope preventative interventions. Data have been collected in order to analyse the context of sexual and drug using practices. Analysed issues include epidemiological data, legal issues, programs and public policies. Thirty in-depth questionnaires have been applied to coca paste and crack users and the obtained information allows to determine their risk behaviours. Preventative interventions including the involvement of community-based organizations are being developed in three slums in the city.

ISSUES: To analyse the relationship between drug use and sexual practices is critical for preventative interventions that surmount stereotypes necessary associating drug use and sexual uncontrol. Research findings must be translated in rapid interventions to effectively respond to HIV/AIDS and other drug-related harms. RECOMMENDATION: Harm reduction programs need to include new strategies to face the rising epidemics of coca paste and crack use.

020707
D11136

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