Correlates of HIV Seropositivity among Injection Drug Users Not in Treatment

Abstract

In 1989, from May to December, 1,440 injection drug users (IDUs) in Newark and Jersey City, not enrolled in treatment, were recruited by outreach to storefront offices, where they were interviewed about AIDS-risk behaviors and tested for antibodies to HIV. Information was gathered on drug use and sexual patterns, health, criminality and demographics. Data from 1,278 IDUs (88.75%) were analyzed; 667 (52.5%) tested HIV-antibody positive. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, thirteen variables were identified that were significantly and independently associated with seropositivity, including years since first drug injection, injecting mixed heroin and cocaine, frequent injection of cocaine by itself, no “crack” use, no noninjected heroin use, time in jail, abuse of glue or paint thinner, absence of sexual activity, subjects' global rating of their own AIDS risk, health history, gender, race and education. Implications for HIV risk assessment in other regions and for the development of interventions are discussed.