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.