Background: Public health officials have reported that African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV, and IDU (injection drug use) is the second most frequently reported risk behavior associated with HIV infection. However, few investigators have examined risks that are associated with injection drug use among African Americans. The first objective of this analysis was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection among African American IDU’s (AAIDU’s) in California. The second was to describe additional risky behaviors that put these individuals at risk for HIV infection. Finally, we compared behavioral risks among HIV infected and non-HIV infected AAIDU’s in an effort to better understand this population. Methods: We used data from the State of California, Office of AIDS for AAIDU’s who received an HIV test result through state-funded voluntary testing from July, 1997 through June, 1999 (N=7,896). Descriptive statistical analyses were used to compare behavioral risks associated with HIV infection among HIV positive and HIV negative AAIDU’s. Results: The overall infection rate among AAIDU’s was 4.5% (n=354). HIV infected AAIDU’s reported a known HIV positive sex partner almost four times higher percentage compared to non-infected AAIDU’s (22% vs. 6%). Both groups of AAIDU’s reported having a partner with multiple partners (71% vs. 74%), IDU partners (46% vs. 45%), exchanging sex for money (28% vs. 24%), and a number of other risky behaviors at similar rates. Conclusions: These findings suggest that AAIDU’s are not “high-risk” exclusively because of their IDU, but also because of several other risky sexual behaviors they engage in.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify risk factors that put African American Injection Drug-Users at risk for HIV. 2. Recognize the utility of Counseling and Testing data
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Injection Drug Users
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS, Counseling and Testing Database
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.