The impact of social and emotional isolation on risk behaviors among women injection drug users in Portland, OR

Women who inject drugs (IDUs) face elevated risk for HIV and hepatitis C due to syringe sharing, unsafe injection practices, and high‑risk sexual behaviors. While social networks influence these risks, the role of social and emotional isolation has been understudied. This study surveyed 102 adult women IDUs to examine whether isolation was associated with engagement in 15 HIV/HCV risk behaviors. Half of the women reported above‑average or severe isolation, and many continued high‑risk practices despite access to harm‑reduction services. Social isolation was positively associated with injection‑related risk behaviors, with a similar trend for sexual risk. These findings suggest isolation may contribute to risk‑taking and should be addressed in HIV/HCV prevention efforts tailored for women IDUs.