Objectives: To identify differences in prevalence of HIV-associated behaviors between homeless and non-homeless IDUs.
Methods: Current IDUs aged 18-30, were recruited in five U.S. cities during 1997-1999. Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires. Characteristics and behaviors were compared by self-reported homelessness in the past 6 months.
Results: Of the 2198 participants, median age was 24 years, 64% were male, 52% were white, 20% were Latino, 21% were African-American, and 7% were other/mixed race. Prevalence of homelessness was 49% and varied by site (range 28%-78%). A greater proportion of homeless than non-homeless IDUs were male (p=0.033), age< 24 (p<0.001), and white (p<0.001). During the previous six months, more homeless IDUs shared needles (p<0.001), and shared cookers, cotton or rinse water (p<0.001). More homeless IDUs reported using syringe exchange (p<0.001), although this may be due to recruiting differences by site. More homeless than non-homeless IDUs reported age of first sex < 14 years (p=0.006), a history of ever being raped (p<0.001), having sex with other IDUs (p<0.001), having >5 sexual partners (p<0.001), receiving money or drugs for sex (p=0.011), and male-to-male sex (p<0.001) in the past six months. Suicidal ideation (p<0.001) and exposure to violence (p<0.001) were also more common among the homeless IDUs.
Conclusions: Homeless young IDUs reported HIV-associated risk factors more often than their non-homeless peers, suggesting an increased need for risk reduction interventions. Homeless shelters and agencies that work with youth should incorporate HIV prevention interventions in their programs.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Homeless, Injection Drug Users
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.