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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Dale D. Chitwood, PhD, Sociology, University of Miami, Sociology Research Center, PO Box 248251, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0719, 305-284-4316, dchitwood@miami.edu, Dixie J. Koo, PhD, Division of Politics, Administration and Justice - Department of Criminal Justice, California State University, Fullerton, PO Box 6848, Fullerton, CA 92834-6848, and Jesus Sanchez, PhD, Robert Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, HLS II 574, Miami, FL 33199.

Background: The purpose was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of two brief HIV risk reduction strategies to reduce high risk sex behaviors and prevent transition to injection drug use among persons who sniff heroin. Methodology: A randomized experimental design was employed to compare two distinct interventions [Stage Enhanced Motivational Interviewing Intervention (SEMI); Risk Prevention Intervention (RPI) that incorporates components of Project RESPECT with IDU prevention strategies] with a standard pre-post test counseling program (STAD). A sample of 466 African-American, Hispanic/Latino, and non-Hispanic white men and women were recruited from the streets of Miami-Dade County, Florida, randomly assigned to one of the three conditions, and are being followed at six months intervals for 18 months. Six month follow-up is complete and these data are reported. Results: Initial analyses indicate at 6 month follow-up that there was a reduction in all three groups in the proportion of participants who had used heroin in the last 30 days, in the frequency of heroin use in the last 30 days, and in the frequency of crack use in the last 30 days. Small proportions of each group [SEMI 11%; RPI 4%; STAD 9%] had initiated injection during the follow-up period. Reduction in 30 day alcohol use was observed in each group in the proportion who had multiple sex partners and in the proportion who had exchanged sex for money or drugs. Conclusions: These programs were moderately effective in reducing targeted HIV risk behaviors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)in this session will be able to

(
• Describe two types of brief HIV risk reduction interventions targeting heroin sniffers. (
• Assess the effectivenss of two brief HIV risk reduction interventions among heroin sniffers. (3)Discuss the relative effectiveness of a risk reduction intervention modeled after PROJECT RESPECT and a Stage Enhanced Motivational Intervention.

Keywords: Drug Abuse, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No