Patterns of behaviour amongst injecting drug users--implications for HIV

HIV-related behaviour was studied in a sample of 187 injecting drug users in Stockport, most of whom were not regular users of health services. 174 of the group had shared needles, most of them within the last 4 weeks. Among the 174, more than a quarter were under 20 years of age; most had had multiple sexual partners, and only a minority ever used condoms. Most perceived themselves to be at low or no risk of HIV infection. Perception of risk was related to changes in reported sexual behaviour, but not to needle-sharing. Implications for existing control programmes are considered.