Abstract
A cohort of 111 injection drug users (IDUs) and their sex partners was assessed in 1988 concerning risk behaviors for HIV and knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Ten years later, in 1998, the cohort was reassessed using the same instrument. All who were HIV negative in 1988 were retested by blood draw for antibodies to HIV. A paired analysis was utilized to determine individual changes in risk behaviors for three serostatus groups-those who remained HIV negative (long-term HIV negatives), seroconverters, and those positive in 1988 (long-term HIV positives). Incidence was twice as high for sex partners (37.5%) as for IDUs (18.0%). Drug and needle use risk behaviors, except crack use, showed decreases; sexual risk behaviors were less amenable to change. Knowledge significantly increased among the long-term HIV negatives and seroconverters but not among those HIV positive in 1988. This analysis demonstrates the need for continued intervention among IDUs and their sex partners.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 187-199 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | AIDS and Behavior |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2005 |
Keywords
- HIV/AIDS
- Injecting drug use
- Risk behavior
- Serostatus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Psychiatry and Mental health