OBJECTIVE: To describe differences by sexual orientation in HIV and HCV prevalence and risk behaviors among young injection drug users (IDUs) in Los Angeles. METHODS. 390 IDUs, recruited through street outreach, were administered a risk behavior survey questionnaire and screened for HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) during 1997-1999. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare differences in risk behavior between subgroups. RESULTS. 61% (237/390) of the sample were male, 71% were under 25 years of age, (median age, 23 years, range15-45 years). By race/ethnicity, 59% were White, 5% were African-American, 11% were Latino, 2% were Asian, 3% were Native American, and 20% reported "other" or "mixed" race/ethnicity. Prevalence of HIV among heterosexual and non heterosexual IDUs was 2% and 11%, respectively. Prevalence of HCV infection among heterosexual and non-heterosexual IDUs was 22 % and 24%, respectively. Among heterosexual and non-heterosexual IDUs, the injectable drug most commonly used was heroin (74%) and methamphetamines (77%), respectively. When compared to heterosexual IDUs, non-heterosexual IDUs were more likely to inject more frequently (OR=1.5; 95% C.I. 0.9-2.3); to have multiple sex partners (OR=3.6; 95% C.I. 2.0-6.5); to have multiple casual sex partners (OR=3.1; 95% C.I. 1.9-4.9); and to exchange drugs/money for sex (OR=3.5%; 95% C.I. 2.1-5.8). CONCLUSIONS: Increased risk for bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections appears to be compounded among non-heterosexual injection drug users. Client-centered, tailored interventions to address the prevention needs of this population should be implemented to promote desirable behavioral change among this high risk category of IDUs.
Learning Objectives: To describe risk behaviors for HIV and hepatitis C among injection drug users. To describe differences by sexual orientation
Keywords: Injection Drug Users, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.