Adapting HIV Interventions for Women Substance Abusers in International Settings: Lessons for the Future

Abstract

Many substance abusers are at risk for HIV due to their drug using and sexual behaviors. HIV interventions developed early on for substance abusers did not account for gender differences. Women's risk for HIV around the world makes them more vulnerable than men, yet their circumstances are different and adaptations to interventions are needed. The Women's CoOp, considered a best-evidence intervention, has been adapted with several groups of noninjecting women in South Africa and with injecting drug-using women in Russia. To reach vulnerable women in diverse settings to test interventions to reduce their risk, researchers also need to mentor the next generation of scientists to help stem the feminization of HIV among substance abusers.