Continued high risk behaviors in HIV infected drug abusers.
To characterize current risk behaviors of HIV drug abusers in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, socio-demographic, medical and behavioral information were obtained and immune measurements determined. High-risk sexual practices were prevalent. Participants diagnosed before 1995 were 6 times more likely to have unprotected sex with HIV+ partners (p = 0.05) and 11 times more likely to use contaminated needles (p = 0.05) than participants with later diagnosis. Consistent condom use was reported by only 7% of the cohort. Many (43%) of the participants reported multiple HIV+ and HIV- concurrent partners. Most (65%), particularly women (OR = 3, p = 0.02), did so for drugs or money. Despite detectable viral loads, 36% reported unprotected anal sex. Antiretroviral-treated men, compared to non-treated, tended to have unprotected anal sex (OR = 2, p = 0.07). The continued high-risk behaviors of HIV drug users, particularly those diagnosed before 1995 and/or on antiretroviral therapy, indicates an urgent need for new public health strategies.
Miguez-Burbano
Maria Jose
MJ
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA. mmiguez@med.miami.edu
Pineda-Medina
Luisamaria
L
Lecusay
Robert
R
Page
J Bryan
JB
Castillo
Gloria
G
Burbano
Ximena
X
Rodriguez
Allan
A
Rodriguez
Noaris
N
Shor-Posner
Gail
G
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D020276:HIV Long-Term Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors