Age differences in HIV risk behaviors and drug treatment utilization among drug users in Kentucky

The purpose of this study was to (1) profile demographic and other characteristics of two age groups, younger aged 30 to 39 (N = 643), and older aged 40 to 49 (N = 395), (2) examine and identify differences in lifetime drug use patterns and age of drug use initiation, (3) examine HIV risk behaviors: drug use and sexual practices, (4) compare drug user treatment utilization between the two age groups, and (5) examine barriers to drug is treatment utilization by gender. The study sample (N = 1038) was drawn from individuals recruited into the NIDA Cooperative Agreement in Kentucky. The median age in the study sample was 38, the majority were male (72%), and African-American (81%). Results indicate that older subjects initiated drug use at a later age than younger subjects. Compared to the younger age group, significantly more subjects in the older group reported having ever used any of the 10 drugs examined. Injection drug use patterns and lifetime sex exchange practices were more prevalent in the older age group. Older subjects also were more likely to utilize drug user treatment, specifically methadone maintenance treatment. When barriers to drug user treatment were examined, significantly more women than men did not qualify for treatment, and they did not have enough money for treatment. Implications for interventions are discussed.