Recorded presentation

Richard S Garfein, PhD, MPH, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Epidemiology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS E-45, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-6175, rlg6@cdc.gov

Community-based recruitment in Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle began in June, 2002, for 15-30 year old injection drug users (IDUs) to participate in a randomized controlled trial of a 6-session small-group intervention designed to reduce their risk of HIV and HCV infection from injection and sexual practices. The primary objectives were to: 1) decrease the number and proportion of times participants inject with syringes that had been previously used by another IDU, 2) decrease the number and proportion of times participants had intercourse without a condom, and 3) to decrease the incidence of HCV infection in the intervention compared with the control group. After completing an extensive baseline behavioral risk assessment using audio-assisted computerized self-interviewing (ACASI) and undergoing serologic testing for HIV, HAV, HBV, and HCV infection, participants who where seronegative for HIV and HCV were invited to enroll in the intervention trial. All susceptible participants were offered free hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Participants enrolled in the trial were reassessed for risk behaviors and viral infections at 3 and 6 months post-intervention. To date, 2,806 individuals have completed the baseline assessment. This session will include presentations on important behavioral and serologic observations from the baseline assessment. The results of the intervention trial will be known in late 2004.

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

• List five HIV and HCV related risk behaviors that are practiced by young adult injection drug users.
• Identify sexual risk behaviors for HIV infection practiced by young adult female injection drug users.
• Discuss necessary components of interventions to prevent HIV and HCV infection among young adult 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.

Recorded presentation