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Danielle C. Ompad, PhD1, Crystal Fuller, MPH, PhD2, Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, DrPH1, Yingfeng Wu, MA1, Denis Nash, PhD1, Ebele Benjamin1, and David Vlahov, PhD1. (1) Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-419-3589, dompad@nyam.org, (2) Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th Street, 4th floor, Room 422, New York, NY 10032
Objective: Recent reports indicate that the prevalence of HIV among injection drug users (IDUs) has decreased in NYC, it follows that the epidemiology of HIV may have changed. Thus, we aimed to describe correlates of HIV seroprevalence among illicit users in NYC. Methods: In 2001-2003, injection and non-injection heroin, crack, and cocaine users were street-recruited into a community-based study (N=954). Risk behaviors were assessed using interviewer-administered surveys. Serology samples were tested for HIV. Logistic regression was used to investigate correlates of HIV. Results: The sample was 58.2% Hispanic and 73.0% male; 71.2% had been recently homeless. The mean age was 28.5 years. Approximately one-fourth (271) were current IDUs; 71.6% were non-injection drug users (NIDUs). NIDUs were somewhat more likely than IDUs to be HIV seropositive (9.9% vs. 6.3%, respectively, p=0.07). In multiple logistic regression, injection was not a significant correlate of HIV [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=2.28, 95% Confidence Interval=0.88, 5.93) after adjusting for race/ethnicity, homelessness, income source, condom use frequency, and self-reported HIV status. HIV seropositive participants were significantly more likely to be on public assistance (AOR=2.73), black (AOR=8.92), and have used condoms >=80% of the time (AOR=3.03); but significantly less like to have been recently homeless (AOR=0.42). Conclusions: Among drug users in NYC sexual behaviors and socioeconomic indicators, but not injection, were significant correlates of HIV serostatus. These data suggest past risk reduction efforts aimed at reducing needle risk and increasing condom use, especially among HIV seropositives, should now be maintained and enhanced with broader sexual risk reduction efforts.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Injection Drug Users
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.