Identifying heterogeneity among injection drug users: a cluster analysis approach.
OBJECTIVE
We used cluster analysis to subdivide a population of injection drug users and identify previously unknown behavioral heterogeneity within that population.


METHODS
We applied cluster analysis techniques to data collected in a cross-sectional survey of injection drug users in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The clustering variables we used were based on receptive syringe sharing, ethnicity, and types of drugs injected.


RESULTS
Seven clusters were identified for both male and female injection drug users. Some relationships previously revealed in our study setting, such as the known relationship between Talwin (pentazocine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) use, injection in hotels, and hepatitis C virus prevalence, were confirmed through our cluster analysis approach. Also, relationships between drug use and infection risk not previously observed in our study setting were identified, an example being a cluster of female crystal methamphetamine users who exhibited high-risk behaviors but an absence or low prevalence of blood-borne pathogens.


CONCLUSIONS
Cluster analysis was useful in both confirming relationships previously identified and identifying new ones relevant to public health research and interventions.
Shaw
Souradet Y
SY
Cadham Provincial Laboratory, 750 William Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C3Y1, Canada.
Shah
Lena
L
Jolly
Ann M
AM
Wylie
John L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba / Q000453:epidemiology; D008694:Methamphetamine; D008774:Methylphenidate; D008875:Middle Aged; D016485:Needle Sharing; D010423:Pentazocine; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D008694:Methamphetamine; D010423:Pentazocine