4176.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 3:25 PM

Abstract #24565

Mental health and HIV/HCV risk behavior in a young IDU cohort

Patricia M Morse, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, LSU Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, 504.568.6256, pmorse@lsuhsc.edu, Edward V Morse, PhD, Department of Pediatrics SL-37, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, Crystal Fuller, MPH, Columbia University, Don Des Jarlais, PhD, Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, Danielle Ompad, MHS, Johns Hopkins, Lawrence Ouellet, PhD, University of Illinois, Chicago, Peter Kerndt, MD, PhD, LA County Department of Health, and Richard Garfein, PhD, MPH, Centers For Disease Control.

Objective: To examine the relationship between history of mental health problems and HIV/HCV high-risk behaviors in a young IDU cohort. Methods: IDUs, 18-30, participants in the CDC-funded CIDUS-II conducted in five U.S. cities were interviewed about their mental health histories and their HIV/HCV sexual and drug use risk behaviors. They were asked about hospitalization in a mental health ward and whether they had thought of taking their life in the prior 6 months. Risk behaviors examined included condom use and direct and indirect syringe sharing practices. Results: Of the 2,198 participants, 63% were male, 53% Caucasian, 19% Hispanic and 21% African American with a mean age of 23.6 years. 36% reported contemplating suicide, and 22.4% indicated they had been hospitalized in a mental health ward. Young IDUs with a history of mental health hospitalization were more likely to report sharing syringes (OR 1.58; 95%CI, 1.29-1.93), cookers (OR 1.45; 95%CI, 1.17-1.80), cotton (OR 1.38; 95%CI, 1.12-1.68) rinse water (OR 1.48; 95%CI, 1.21-1.81) and backloading (OR 1.63; 95%CI 1.32-2.01). IDUs with suicidal ideation were more likely to report sharing syringes (OR 1.81; 95%CI, 1.51-2.16), cookers (OR 1.56; 95%CI, 1.30-1.87), cotton (OR 1.62; 95%CI, 1.36-1.94) rinse water (OR 1.72; 95%CI, 1.44-2.05) and backloading (OR 1.61; 95%CI 1.33-1.94). Mental Health history was not associated with sexual risk behavior. Conclusions: Univariate analysis indicates the importance of to considering the co-morbidity of mental heath problems in the design and implementation of HIV/HCV prevention and intervention programs targeting young IDUs. Multivariate models will be run to control for confounding.

Learning Objectives: 1. Evaluate the relationship between HIV/HCV risk behavior and mental health history in a young IDU cohort. 2. Assess the importance of including HIV risk reduction in programmatic efforts target IDUs with mental health needs.

Keywords: Mental Health, 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.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA