title: Correlates of hepatitis B virus and HIV knowledge among gay and bisexual homeless young adults in Hollywood.
abstract: Homeless gay and bisexual (G/B) young men have multiple risk factors that increase their risk of contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study used baseline information from structured instruments to assess correlates of knowledge to HIV and HBV infection from 267 young (18-39 year old) G/B active methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack-using homeless men enrolled in a longitudinal trial. The study is designed to reduce drug use and improve knowledge of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS in a community center in Hollywood, California. Regression modeling revealed that previous hepatitis education delivered to G/B men was associated with higher levels of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis knowledge. Moreover, higher HIV/AIDS knowledge was associated with combining sex and drinking alcohol. Associations with hepatitis B knowledge was found among G/B men who were engaging in sex while under the influence of marijuana, who were receiving support from non-drug users, and who had been homeless in the last 4 months. Although being informed about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis did not preclude risky sexual and drug use behavior, knowledge about the dangers of concurrent sex with substance use is important. As higher levels of knowledge of hepatitis was associated with more moderate drug use, early access to testing and teaching harm reduction strategies remain critical to reduce exposure and infection of HBV and HIV in this population.
authors.affiliation: Florida State University, Tallahassee Florida, FL 32306, USA. amyai8@gmail.com
authors.forename: Adeline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nyamathi
authors.forename: Benissa
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Salem
authors.forename: Cathy J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Reback
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shoptaw
authors.forename: Catherine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Branson
authors.forename: Faith E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Idemundia
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Farinaz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khalilifard
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marfisee
authors.forename: Yihang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires