Reduced probability of HIV infection among crack cocaine--using injection drug users.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined in greater detail the authors' previously reported finding that crack use among injection drug users is associated with lower levels of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).


METHODS
Self-reported data and blood tests for HIV antibodies from 4840 out-of-treatment injection drug users were used to examine relationships among crack use, HIV risk behavior, and HIV infection.


RESULTS
Crack use was significantly associated with higher levels of many sexual risk and needle use behaviors and was consistently associated, independently of all behavioral variables examined, with lower rates of HIV infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Crack use among injection drug users appears to be associated with lower risk for HIV infection independently of other behavioral variables.
Iguchi
M Y
MY
Department of Psychiatry, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pa 19102-1192, USA.
Bux
D A
DA
D000328:Adult; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D011336:Probability; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*
D016578:Crack Cocaine; D015483:HIV Antibodies