Substance misuse and HIV/AIDS risks among delinquents: a prevention challenge.
In the United States, there is growing concern that adolescents are at increasing risk for HIV-1 infection due to recreational substance use and sexual activity. Self-report questionnaires from a sample of 224 incarcerated delinquents quantified associations between drug use, sex, and other behaviors which risk HIV-1 infection. High rates of substance use and HIV-risking behaviors were found. Significant correlations between levels of substance use and both behavioral and attitudinal barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention programming were observed. This evidence and other subgroup differences in denial of vulnerability and in practice of preventive behaviors indicate the need for different approaches to prevention. An integrated HIV/AIDS and substance misuse prevention program is discussed as a viable alternative to the usual knowledge-enhancing programs.
Rolf
J
J
Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Nanda
J
J
Baldwin
J
J
Chandra
A
A
Thompson
L
L
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015497:HIV-1; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008873:Mid-Atlantic Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology