Alcohol use and high-risk behavior by intravenous drug users in an AIDS education paradigm.
The relationship between alcohol consumption and high-risk behavior for HIV infection was examined among 313 in-treatment intravenous drug users (IVDUs) by random assignment of these subjects to one of three interventions: (1) structured interview regarding risk behavior; (2) interview plus one group AIDS education session; (3) interview, AIDS education plus optional HIV testing. Alcohol users (n = 148) had more needle sharing and sexual partners than did nondrinkers. Follow-up interviews revealed no significant behavioral changes as a function of intervention condition or alcohol use. Better interventions, including more vigorous treatment of alcohol use, are needed to reduce risk behaviors among IVDUs.
Saxon
A J
AJ
Seattle VA Medical Center, Wash. 98108.
Calsyn
D A
DA
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003042:Cocaine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation
D003042:Cocaine