Analysis of the differences in the profile and drug use patterns between male and female who attend raves

Objective
Population studies show differential drug consumption between male and female. Some studies point to rave as an androgynous culture, where gender differences disappear. Nonetheless, in this context, empirical evidences on differential patterns of drug use by gender are scarce. The purpose of this study is to analyze differences in drug use patterns and sociodemographic profile between male and female who attend raves.

Material and method
Two hundred and fifty-two people who went to raves in Andalucía (Spain) were interviewed. It was administered a questionnaire to collect information on use patterns of 15 different drugs and sociodemographic profile.

Results
Results show a high substance and polysubstance use between ravers. No significant differences by gender were found in drug use patterns or sociodemographic profile. The average number of drug consumed for male “some time in their lives” were 9.9, versus 9.5 for female. In the last month, 7.3 versus 6.9, and last rave, 5 versus 4.9.

Conclusions
Opposite to what it happens in general population, where drug use prevalence of male is higher than female, this study haven't found significant differences by gender. This fact must be considered in order to design risk and harm reduction preventive strategies.