Profiles of self-reported HIV-risk behaviors among injection drug users in methadone maintenance treatment, detoxification, and needle exchange programs.
OBJECTIVE
Injection drug use has accounted for more than one third of acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases in the United States. The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics, types, and frequency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) recruited from a needle exchange program (NEP), methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and detoxification (detox) program.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to determine whether the selected HIV-risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of IDUs varied by site of recruitment. SAMPLE AND MEASUREMENTS: Confidential questionnaires were completed by 445 IDUs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


RESULTS
Data analysis revealed that HIV sexual and injection-risk behavior varied by recruitment site. Subjects recruited from the NEP were more likely to engage in HIV-risk behaviors than subjects recruited from the MMT or detox sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventions occurring in program and treatment sites need to be sensitive to various demographic characteristics and behaviors if they are to reach those at highest risk of HIV infection. Targeting HIV prevention interventions based upon risk group membership alone (e.g. IDUs) fails to address the distinct risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of enrollees in different programs.
Mark
Hayley Diana
HD
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21205-2110, USA. hmark1@son.jhmi.edu
Nanda
Joy
J
Davis-Vogel
Annet
A
Navaline
Helen
H
Scotti
Roseanne
R
Wickrema
Rasanjali
R
Metzger
David
D
Sochalski
Julie
J
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000523:psychology; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs; D015143:Philadelphia; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D009294:Narcotics; D008691:Methadone