Recorded presentation

Dita Broz, MPH, Susan L. Bailey, PhD, and Lawrence J. Ouellet, PhD. School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-355-4753, dbroz2@uic.edu

Objectives: Examine demographic characteristics, risk practices and HIV/HCV seroprevalence of young non-injecting heroin users (NIHU) in Chicago. Methods: NIHU 16-30 years old were recruited in Chicago through street outreach and respondent-driven sampling. Computerized self-administered interviews and serological data were collected. Results: Of 500 participants to date, 58% are African-American, 22% non-Hispanic white, 63% male, and median age is 26. One-third of NIHU reported running away from home during childhood and many had a parent who was alcoholic (40%) or used heroin or cocaine regularly (33%). At initiation to heroin use only half knew of heroin’s addictive properties and 62% were surprised once they realized they were addicted to the drug. Most NIHU (86%) used drugs daily or nearly daily, multi-drug use was common, and 70% reported receptive sharing of snorting equipment (e.g., straws). Non-Hispanic whites more than African-Americans reported recently being in situations where it would be easy to inject drugs (X²=39.50, p<0.001). Among those sexually active in the 6 months before interview (82%), consistent condom use (always/vaginal) was low: 12% with main sex partners, 33% with other partners. Sex-for-money/drugs exchanges in the past 6 months were reported by 14% of NIHU, with only 28% always using a condom. HIV and HCV seroprevalence were 4% and 2% respectively. Conclusion: Young NIHU often had parents who used drugs, often were ignorant of heroin’s addictive properties, and engaged in practices that increased their risk for contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. African-Americans more than non-Hispanic whites appeared resistant to injecting drugs.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe demographic characteristics of young non-injecting heroin users
• Identify high risk drug use and sexual practices among non-injecting heroin users
• Assess prevalence of HIV and HCV among young non-injecting heroin 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