This project examined differences in substance use and related risk and health behaviors among two cohorts of HIV+ youth recruited at a 5-year interval in NYC and LA. From 1994-96, 237 youth were recruited from clinical care sites to form Cohort 1 (NYC=101; LA=136) and in 1999-2000, 60 youth have been recruited from the same sites to form Cohort 2 (currently LA=50; NYC=10; recruitment ongoing). Youth are aged 14-23 years, are predominantly African American or Latino, and 25% are female. Behaviors were examined for three time frames: recently (over the previous 3 months), since learning of seropositivity, and over the lifetime. Current use of alcohol (73%), marijuana (47%), hard drugs (33%), and injecting drugs (6%) was substantial in both cohorts. In Cohort 2, methamphetamine (40%) and heroin use (2.3%) were common in 1999. Among Cohort 1, 46% stopped transmission behaviors upon learning their serostatus, compared to 33% in Cohort 2. Condom use upon learning their serostatus (50%) was similar for both cohorts. Young women engaged in less substance use and fewer sexual risk acts than males. Only 41% of Cohort 1 had received antiretroviral therapy by 1998, while 74% of Cohort 2 had exposure to antiretroviral therapy by 1999. In Cohort 2, 42% did not receive any preventive interventions compared to 90% in Cohort 1. Our project shows that reductions occur among HIV+ youth in substance use, but daily use of alcohol and marijuana are common. Preventive interventions are needed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the substance use and sexual risk acts of HIV+ youth recruited from New York City and Los Angeles, 2. Describe changes in risk behaviors and access to antiretrovial therapies over time after comparing two cohorts HIV+ youth recruited 5 years apart, and 3. define appropriate interventions for HIV+ youth
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Adolescents
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.