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Risk behaviors and perceptions of AIDS among street injection drug users
F Rhodes1, N H Corby, R J Wolitski
1AIDS Research and Education Project, Psychology Department, California State University, Long Beach.
Journal of Drug Education
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Injection drug users (IDUs) in Long Beach show high rates of needle sharing and HIV risk. Many IDUs modified behaviors to reduce HIV transmission, highlighting the need for targeted AIDS risk-reduction programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Injection drug use is a significant risk factor for HIV transmission.
- Understanding drug use patterns and risk behaviors among IDUs is crucial for prevention.
- Previous research indicates varied HIV seroprevalence and risk behaviors within IDU populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document drug usage and injection patterns among IDUs in Long Beach, California.
- To assess sexual practices, perceived HIV risk, and knowledge about AIDS.
- To inform the development of targeted AIDS risk-reduction programs for this population.
Main Methods:
- Conducted standardized survey interviews with 325 injection drug users (IDUs).
- Performed guided in-depth interviews with 22 IDUs for detailed insights.
- Collected data on drug use, injection practices, sexual behavior, and HIV knowledge.
Main Results:
- High rates of needle sharing (87.9%) were reported; 40.3% practiced sterilization.
- HIV seroprevalence was 5.7%; 60.7% of females and 20.5% of males exchanged sex for drugs/money.
- 48.3% modified injection practices, and one-third altered sexual behavior to avoid HIV.
Conclusions:
- Significant risk behaviors for HIV transmission persist among Long Beach IDUs.
- IDUs demonstrate awareness and behavioral changes to mitigate HIV risk.
- Findings support the need for tailored AIDS risk-reduction interventions addressing specific drug use and sexual practices.