Trends of HIV risk behaviors in a cohort of injecting drug users and their sex partners in Miami, Florida, 1988-1998

AIDS Behav. 2005 Jun;9(2):187-99. doi: 10.1007/s10461-005-3900-4.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Florida
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Seronegativity
  • HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology
  • HIV Seropositivity / psychology
  • HIV Seropositivity / transmission*
  • Heroin Dependence / epidemiology*
  • Heroin Dependence / psychology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Needle Sharing / psychology
  • Needle Sharing / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data*