Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection among parenteral drug abusers in a low-prevalence area

Information is scant regarding epidemiologic risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among parenteral drug abusers (PDAs) residing in areas of low seroprevalence. A detailed interview and HIV serologic testing were conducted among PDAs hospitalized at Detroit Receiving Hospital for reasons unrelated to HIV infection. The study involved 22 seropositive (17 men, 5 women) and 52 seronegative (34 men, 18 women) drug abusers in Detroit, Michigan, an area of relatively low HIV prevalence. The interviews included inquiries regarding risk factors such as duration of drug abuse, visits to "shooting galleries," use of "hit men," needle sharing, sterile injection techniques, use of "street" antibiotics, promiscuity, visits to prostitutes, homosexuality, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and history of travel to areas of high HIV prevalence. A strong association was noted between the number of risk factors present and HIV seropositivity. The presence of any three or more risk factors was significantly associated (P less than .05) with seropositivity. Awareness of epidemiologic risk factors for HIV infection among PDAs in a low-prevalence area is useful in identification of seropositive drug abusers and is crucial in designing educational interventional strategies to interrupt viral transmission.