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Virology Research Journal | Volume 2
May 18-19, 2018 | Montreal, Canada
2
nd
World Conference on
STDs, STIs & HIV/AIDS
Introduction
: Substance use disorders and risky sexual
behavior coexist for some women. Explanatory models of
women’s sexuality in the context of substance use are under-
studied. This study aimed to explore how women’s sexual
behavior can become risky in the context of substance use.
Methods:
In this ethnographic inquiry, we approached
25 women with substance use disorders (SUDs) at two
Drop-In-Centers (DICs) in South Tehran. Observation, semi-
structured interviews and field notes were used to collect
data. Qualitative content analysis was used to attain the
explanatory model of women’s sexual behaviours in the
context of substance use.
Results:
Three major themes emerged from the data analysis
regarding their lives in the context of substance use; 1) The
struggle to survive; 2) Unsafe living context; and 3) Negative
self-perception. Subthemes were identified as self-disturbed
perception, loss of contact with family, social stigma,
forgetfulness, worthlessness and low self-efficacy.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest that SUDs are highly interwoven
with women’s sexual health, facilitating a shift towards risky
behaviors. Integration of safe sexual skills building programs
into substance use treatment is needed.
Speaker Biography
Effat Merghati Khoei is an Associate Professor at Iranian National Center of Addiction
Studies (INCAS) and Director of Sexual and Family Health Division in Brain and Spinal
Injury Research Center (BASIR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Iran.
e:
effat_mer@yahoo.comEffat Merghati Khoei
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Veiled truths: Iranian women and risky sexual behavior in the
context of substance use