Primary Medical Care and Reductions in HIV Risk Behaviors in Adults with Addictions

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors are prevalent in persons with addictions. Objectives: To assess whether exposure to primary medical care is associated with decreases in HIV risk behaviors. Design: Prospective 2-year cohort of 298 adults with addictions. Outcomes: Sex and drug-related HIV risk behaviors, measured by the Risk Assessment Battery. Predictors: Cumulative number of primary care visits (0, 1, p ⩽ 2). Associations were tested using regression models for correlated data. Results: In women, receipt of primary care was associated with less sex risk behavior (mean decrease 2.1, p ⩽0.1). Among women and men, ⩾2 primary care visits was associated with lower odds of any drug risk behavior (OR = 0.37, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Exposure to primary care can impact HIV risk behavior favorably among adults with addictions.