Objective: To examine the relationships among family and community violence, substance use, psychological symptomology, and blood borne pathogen risk behaviors among young IDUs. Methods: Interview, psychological assessment, and laboratory data from 200 young IDUs (16-30 yrs.) participating in CIDUSII in New Orleans are presented. Data include demographics, risk behaviors, substance use profiles, arrest records, weapon use, exposure to family and community violence. Psychological assessments measure depression, anxiety, and other symptoms. Laboratory data include Hepatitis B, C, and HIV status. Results: Over 72% of participants indicated that family violence was common in the environment in which they were raised. Over half had been threatened with a gun or knife and 35% beaten up. One quarter had been forced to have sex against their will, many at a young age. Significant associations were found between frequency of substance use and violence exposure. Violence exposure was also strongly associated with trauma symptomology, high risk sexual and drug use behaviors and infection with blood borne pathogens. Conclusions: The data suggest that young IDUs experience significant levels of family and community violence. They are both victim and victimizer. Attempts at intervening with this population to reduce blood borne pathogen risk behaviors need to consider both environmental and interpersonal factors. Prevention programs based either in correctional facilities or the community should pay attention to the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder as an underlying factor in high-risk health behavior. Incorporating mental health professionals as part of the intervention team will more systemically address the needs of this population.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about violence, trauma and young IDUs. Participants will evaluate the use of mental health professionals in risk reduction intervention programs
Keywords: Drug Injectors, Violence
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.