ABSTRACT
A review of trends in HIV risk behaviour among injecting drug users (IDUs) reported at the Berlin AIDS Conference in 1993 revealed considerable variations in patterns in different nations. The sexual transmission of HIV to the primary partners of the majority of IDUs is still a major concern. However, there is little information about the behaviour of female injectors, particularly non-opiate injectors, who are in extended relationships with one primary partner. This chapter explores the HIV-related risks for a group of women injectors in a primary sexual relationship, perceptions of risk and self-protection strategies. Respondents were interviewed by research assistants about their injecting and sexual risk behaviours. Sexual risk of HIV infection tended to be discounted by these women who were sharing injecting equipment with their partners since sharing was regarded as a much greater risk.
