OBJECTIVES: To examine factors contributing to risky behavior and peer-involved prevention activities among HIV+ IDUs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 161 sexually active and currently injecting HIV+ IDUs from the San Francisco Bay Area (n=79) and New York City (n=82). IDUs were interviewed using qualitative and quantitative methods. RESULTS: HIV+ IDUs continue to engage in risky behaviors. Twenty eight percent reported unprotected vaginal or anal sex with HIV negative partners in past year and 9% reported lending their used syringe without bleaching in the past 3 months. Qualitative interview data indicates risk is driven by participation in the drug-sex economy, stigma related to HIV disclosure, lack of integration of HIV diagnosis into daily life and social activity, need for intimacy with sexual partners, and lack of participation in HIV prevention services. These factors point to social and personal isolation among HIV+ IDUs. Importantly, many HIV+ IDUs were able to overcome their isolation and stigmatization by educating their peers about HIV. Peer prevention activities included telling another IDU where to get clean needles (57%), exchanging needles for another user (28%), and teaching another IDU about safer sex (58%). Participation in HIV peer advocacy served to reduce isolation, increase perceived control, improve self-esteem, and combat HIV stigma. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to acknowledge and assess the motivation among HIV+ IDUs to help other HIV+ IDUs when developing prevention programs. A peer advocacy focused intervention may be an effective way to reach newly infected, high-risk HIV+ IDUs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1.List factors contributing to continued risk behaviors of HIV+ IDUs. 2.Explore peer intervention strategies for HIV+ IDUs
Keywords: HIV Interventions, Peer Education
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.