 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Jennifer Lauby, PhD, Heather Batson, BA, Lisa Bond, MA, and Elissa Chandler, RN, MPH. Research and Evaluation, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, 260 South Broad Street, 18th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 985-2556, jennifer@phmc.org
OBJECTIVES: Drug users are at high risk for HIV infection not only due to their use of unclean needles, but also because drug use is linked to high risk sexual behavior. This paper examines the effects of changes in drug use over a six month period on number of partners and condom use.
METHODS: 490 men and women who had used injection drugs or crack cocaine in the past 30 days were recruited into the project, which provided case management, referrals to treatment and HIV education. Participants were assigned to intervention and comparison groups and interviewed at baseline and 6 months post-baseline. To date, 392 participants have received a follow-up.
RESULTS: Participants in both the intervention and control groups reduced their drug use. The mean days of drug use in the past 30 days decreased 50%, from 21.3 at baseline to 10.6 at follow-up. Regression analysis indicates that, controlling for treatment group, the major predictors of decreased drug use were enrollment in drug treatment (beta= -.114, p=.03) and number of self-help (12 step) meetings attended (beta=-.117, p=.03). Change in drug use behavior had effects on number of heterosexual partners, but not on condom use. Controlling for treatment group, significant predictors of number of partners included days of drug use (beta=.134, p=.012), and self-help meetings attended (beta=-.105, p=.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Large decreases in drug use behavior were related to relatively small decreases in sexual risk behavior, with no effect on condom use. HIV prevention education must accompany drug treatment programs.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Drug Use, Sexual 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.