Psychosexual functioning in opioid-dependent women

Psychosexual functioning of opioid-dependent women (N = 63) was compared to a socioeconomically similar group of non drug-abusing women (N = 53) using the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI). Initial analyses revealed differences in sexual drive, liberal attitude, and both masculine and feminine gender-role affiliation. When demographic differences between the two groups were statistically controlled, however, only liberal attitude and femininity subscale differences remained significant. Although both opioid- dependent and comparison group women reported similar types of sexual experiences (lifetime), opioid-dependent women reported greater recent reduction in sexual behaviors related to anal intercourse and anal stimulation. Both opioid-dependent and clinic women differed significantly from the DSFI normative sample, highlighting the importance of controlling for demographic differences when using standardized psychological assessment tools. Implications of study findings for AIDS prevention and intervention with drug-dependent women are discussed.