TY - JOUR
T1 - Correlates of incarceration among young methamphetamine users in Chiang Mai, Thailand
AU - Thomson, Nicholas
AU - Sutcliffe, Catherine G.
AU - Sirirojn, Bangorn
AU - Keawvichit, Rassamee
AU - Wongworapat, Kanlaya
AU - Sintupat, Kamolrawee
AU - Aramrattana, Apinun
AU - Celentano, David D.
PY - 2009/7/1
Y1 - 2009/7/1
N2 - Objectives. We examined correlates of incarceration among young methamphetamine users in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2005 to 2006. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1189 young methamphetamine users. Participants were surveyed about their recent drug use, sexual behaviors, and incarceration. Biological samples were obtained to test for sexually transmitted and viral infections. Results. Twenty-two percent of participants reported ever having been incarcerated. In multivariate analysis, risk behaviors including frequent public drunkenness, starting to use illicit drugs at an early age, involvement in the drug economy, tattooing, injecting drugs, and unprotected sex were correlated with a history of incarceration. HIV, HCV, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection were also correlated with incarceration. Conclusions. Incarcerated methamphetamine users are engaging in behaviors and being exposed to environments that put them at increased risk of infection and harmful practices. Alternatives to incarceration need to be explored for youths.
AB - Objectives. We examined correlates of incarceration among young methamphetamine users in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2005 to 2006. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1189 young methamphetamine users. Participants were surveyed about their recent drug use, sexual behaviors, and incarceration. Biological samples were obtained to test for sexually transmitted and viral infections. Results. Twenty-two percent of participants reported ever having been incarcerated. In multivariate analysis, risk behaviors including frequent public drunkenness, starting to use illicit drugs at an early age, involvement in the drug economy, tattooing, injecting drugs, and unprotected sex were correlated with a history of incarceration. HIV, HCV, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection were also correlated with incarceration. Conclusions. Incarcerated methamphetamine users are engaging in behaviors and being exposed to environments that put them at increased risk of infection and harmful practices. Alternatives to incarceration need to be explored for youths.
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U2 - 10.2105/AJPH.2008.136648
DO - 10.2105/AJPH.2008.136648
M3 - Article
C2 - 18923109
AN - SCOPUS:67650708193
SN - 0090-0036
VL - 99
SP - 1232
EP - 1238
JO - American journal of public health
JF - American journal of public health
IS - 7
ER -