title: Change in HIV-antibody seroprevalence rates in i.v. drug dependent prisoners.
abstract: In 1985 a high HIV-seroprevalence (44.2%) was found in a cohort of parenteral drug addicted prisoners in Innsbruck, Austria. In a longitudinal study from March 1985 to March 1989 we investigated the epidemiology of HIV-infection as well as possible changes in the drug taking behaviour of this defined population at risk. During the study HIV-seroprevalence rates in drug dependent prisoners showed a statistical decrease to 30%. A concomitant increase in admission to any kind of therapy programmes as well as an increasing change from 'heavy use' (mainly taking heroin i.v.) to 'non-heavy use' (mainly taking drugs orally) could be noted. The influence of preventive measures, such as comprehensive AIDS-information, special therapy programmes including the methadone substitution programme, and the unrestricted availability of needles and syringes is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck University Clinics, Austria.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sperner-Unterweger
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Fleischhacker
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hausen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Möst
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reibnegger
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dierich
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wachter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation