Biographical characteristics of injection drug users and behavioural predispositions related to HIV prevention and drug use.
OBJECTIVE
This paper presents a preliminary analysis of the determinants of selected behavioural predispositions toward HIV prevention among injection drug users.


METHODS
An exploratory factor analysis was used to group attitudinal, behavioural intention and change statements into five predisposing factors and the correlates with these were examined using general linear regression.


RESULTS
The analysis demonstrates that many IDUs have responded to AIDS and highlights the characteristics of those who are predisposed to unsafe practices. Predispositions toward safer sex appear to be contextually determined, and needle-sharing determined by socio-behavioural history.


CONCLUSIONS
The data emphasize the need for prevention programs in educational and correctional systems along with community-wide harm reduction and HIV prevention strategies, especially for younger persons. For older drug users, there may be a need for more intensive rehabilitation programs. Some evidence suggest that greater attention be given to the type of drug dependence when focusing programs.
Myers
T
T
Department of Health Administration, University of Toronto, ON.
Millson
M
M
Rigby
J
J
Rankin
J
J
Mindell
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016485:Needle Sharing; D009864:Ontario; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012931:Social Environment; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology*