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HIV risks among homeless men differentiated by cocaine use and psychiatric distress

D A Zanis1, E Cohen, K Meyers

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.

Addictive Behaviors
|March 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Cocaine use and high psychiatric distress significantly increase HIV risk behaviors, including unsafe sex, among homeless men. Targeted outreach for substance use and sexual practices is crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Homeless men are a vulnerable population facing significant health challenges.
  • Substance use, particularly cocaine, is prevalent in this demographic.
  • Psychiatric distress often co-occurs with homelessness and substance use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interplay between cocaine use, psychiatric distress, and HIV risk behaviors in homeless men.
  • To identify specific risk factors contributing to HIV risk within this population.

Main Methods:

  • A 3x2 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed.
  • The study assessed three levels of psychiatric distress (low, moderate, high).
  • Cocaine use (yes/no) served as the second factor, examining HIV risk behaviors.

Main Results:

  • Cocaine users exhibited significantly higher HIV risk scores than non-users.
  • Among cocaine users, those with high psychiatric distress showed the highest HIV risk scores.
  • Predominant risk behaviors included lack of condom use, multiple partners, and commercial sex.

Conclusions:

  • Cocaine use and high psychiatric distress are critical factors elevating HIV risk among homeless men.
  • Interventions should address both substance use and high-risk sexual behaviors.
  • Outreach programs need to be tailored to this population's complex needs.

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