HIV Risk Behaviors Among Homeless Injection Drug Users of Different Ethnicities

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of HIV risk behaviors among homeless injection drug users (IDUs) and to determine whether these risk behaviors vary by ethnicity. A face-to-face interview was administered to 769 homeless IDUs in Portland, Oregon, from 1993 to 1996. Homeless IDUs had a high prevalence of needle sharing and sexual intercourse with casual partners, and a low prevalence of condom use. African Americans had the lowest rate of needle sharing, and Hispanics the highest. Compared to Whites, African Americans and Hispanics were both more likely to have had sex with casual partners in the last 30 days. African Americans were most likely to have used a condom with casual partners. Results indicate the need for more effective and culturally tailored interventions. Special efforts are needed to reduce needle sharing and increase condom use among Hispanic homeless IDUs, who exhibited the highest rates of risk behaviors.