A comparison of HIV risk behaviors between new and long-term injection drug users.
The purpose of this study was to characterize the injection and sexual risk behaviors of a cohort of active drug injectors who have initiated injection within the past 4 years and to compare their behaviors with the risk behaviors of long-term injectors who have been injecting drugs since 1984. A stratified, network-based sample was used to recruit injection drug users from the streets in Miami-Dade, Florida. After screening for eligibility, which included a urine test to confirm current drug use, participants were administered a structured questionnaire that included basic demographic information, drug-use history, and HIV risk behavior practices. Both injector groups displayed a high level of HIV injection risk behavior. Although new initiates into injection demonstrated lower risk behavior than long-term injectors at the first injection episode, the current risk behavior between new and long-term injectors is similar.
Chitwood
D D
DD
Department of Sociology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146-0719 USA.
Comerford
M
M
Kitner
K R
KR
Palacios
W
W
Sanchez
J
J
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors