The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65222

Lyndsay Ammon, MPH, Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Ave., Suite 300, Berkeley, CA 94709-2167, 510-642-5208, lammon@arg.org, Yun Lu, MA, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-2304, and Constance Weisner, DrPH, MSW, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143.

It is well documented that alcohol and drug use are related to increased HIV risk behaviors. This study examines various demographic characteristics, medical and mental health conditions, health care utilization, and referral source differences in HIV risk behaviors among 419 adolescents entering substance abuse treatment in a large northern California HMO. We also examine disparities and missed opportunities in referrals to substance abuse treatment for those adolescents with increased HIV risk behaviors. Of our sample, 45% reported engaging in at least 2 high risk behaviors in the past 6 months (injection drug use, sharing of needles, having sex, >1 sex partner, and inconsistent condom use). While there are no significant differences between gender and number of risk factors, significant differences exist in age with a greater number of older adolescents reporting 2+ risk factors (p <.001). Differences also exist in ethnicity, with 2+ risk factors most frequently reported by Native Americans and least frequently by Asians (p<.05). Study participants in the high risk factor group also reported more alcohol use and binge drinking (5+ in one sitting) in the past 6 months compared to the low risk group (p<.01). Preliminary analyses suggest the two groups access medical departments (e.g., ER and primary care) prior to substance abuse treatment at similar rates, and those in the highest risk group do not have higher rates of referrals from medical practitioners. The presentation also includes a sub-analysis of the highest risk adolescents, those who reported 3+ risk factors (n=64).

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Describe demographic characteristics, health care utilization, and referral source differences between high and low HIV risk behavior adolescents.
• 2.Describe how substance use is related to HIV risk behaviors in adolescents.
• 3.Understand the importance of early identification of adolescents who have high HIV risk behaviors.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.