Long-Term Predictors of HIV Risk Behaviors among IDUs

Abstract

Drug users are at high risk for disease due to injection and sex behaviors. Longitudinal research with drug users can help researchers understand reasons for continued high-risk behaviors among this vulnerable population. Data are from a follow-up study conducted from 1999 to 2003, which attempted to relocate clients who were initially recruited through street outreach in Denver, Colorado from 1990 to 1995. A total of 773 subjects were located (82% relocation rate), 578 of whom were interviewed at follow-up. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvement in most high-risk injection and sex behaviors. However, over half the sample reported having sex without a condom at follow-up. Further analysis revealed that having sex without a condom at baseline, not having previously participated in drug treatment, being of an ethnicity other than African American, smoking crack, and having sex with a drug injector were all significantly related to having sex without a condom at follow-up. These findings are discussed with regards to developing interventions in order to increase condom use in this high risk population.