Alysse G Wurcel1, Deirdre Burke2, Margie Skeer3, David Landy3, Robert Heimer4, John B Wong5, Kenneth K H Chui3, Thomas J Stopka3. 1. Department of Medicine, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States. Electronic address: awurcel@tuftsmedicalcenter.org. 2. Department of Medicine, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States. 3. Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States. 4. Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States. 5. Division of Clinical Decision Making, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Abscesses commonly occur among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, whether the risks are comparable between males and females, and the impact of sex work on abscess risk is unclear. The goal of this study was to examine the contemporary associations of gender and sex work with the risk of abscesses in PWID. METHODS: Combining data from two cross-sectional studies conducted in the Greater Boston Area with people at risk for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), we used the following inclusion criteria: age 18-45 years and report of illicit or non-prescription drug injection within the 30 days prior to the survey. Information on demographics, injection-mediated risks, and sexual behaviors was collected using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview Software. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to model associations. RESULTS: The study sample included 298 people including 30% were female. Females were more likely than men to report sex work (28% vs. 16%, p = .012) and abscess during their lifetime (55% vs. 37% p = .004). Among the females, engaging in sex work increased by >5-fold the odds of reporting abscesses [Adjusted odds ratio 5.42; 95% CI: 1.27, 23.10]. There was no association between sex work and abscesses among men. DISCUSSION: We found a female-specific association between sex work, injection drug use, and abscesses among PWID. Although the cross-sectional designs precluded causal inferences, longitudinal studies could enhance understanding of gender-associated risks for abscesses and inform the development of harm reduction interventions. Published by Elsevier B.V.
BACKGROUND: Abscesses commonly occur among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, whether the risks are comparable between males and females, and the impact of sex work on abscess risk is unclear. The goal of this study was to examine the contemporary associations of gender and sex work with the risk of abscesses in PWID. METHODS: Combining data from two cross-sectional studies conducted in the Greater Boston Area with people at risk for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), we used the following inclusion criteria: age 18-45 years and report of illicit or non-prescription drug injection within the 30 days prior to the survey. Information on demographics, injection-mediated risks, and sexual behaviors was collected using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview Software. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to model associations. RESULTS: The study sample included 298 people including 30% were female. Females were more likely than men to report sex work (28% vs. 16%, p = .012) and abscess during their lifetime (55% vs. 37% p = .004). Among the females, engaging in sex work increased by >5-fold the odds of reporting abscesses [Adjusted odds ratio 5.42; 95% CI: 1.27, 23.10]. There was no association between sex work and abscesses among men. DISCUSSION: We found a female-specific association between sex work, injection drug use, and abscesses among PWID. Although the cross-sectional designs precluded causal inferences, longitudinal studies could enhance understanding of gender-associated risks for abscesses and inform the development of harm reduction interventions. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Entities:
Keywords:
Abscess; Heroin; Injection drug use; People who inject drugs; Sex work; Skin and soft tissue infection
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