Past and new victimization among African American female drug users who participated in an HIV risk‐reduction intervention

Abstract

This study examined to what extent a culturally and women‐specific sexual risk reduction intervention resulted in a decline of new victimization. Additionally, we sought to identify factors associated with new victimization, defined as victimization during the 6 months after enrollment in the study. Female African American drug users (N = 333, ages 18–59 years) completed questionnaires. Past victimization was a major predictor of new victimization. The likelihood of new victimization, however, declined significantly when compared to past victimization. Factors associated with victimization included enhanced intervention assignment, frequency of drug use, and lifestyle factors such as criminal behavior, drug use in a public setting, and living in an unstable situation. Results indicate the need to incorporate strategies to reduce victimization in HIV/AIDS and other health‐related prevention and intervention programs.