Continuation of high-risk behavior by HIV-positive drug users. Treatment implications

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2000 Jul;19(1):15-22. doi: 10.1016/s0740-5472(99)00092-6.

Abstract

Drug users who are positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represent a major vector of HIV transmission, yet relatively little is known about their continued drug- and sex-related HIV-risk behavior, which may impede the development of effective risk-reduction interventions. In this study, 50 HIV-seropositive injection drug users entering methadone maintenance treatment completed a comprehensive risk assessment battery, including self-report of HIV-risk behavior since learning HIV serostatus, and measures of risk-reduction information, motivation, and behavioral skills. We found that a disconcertingly high proportion of patients (66%) reported having engaged in HIV-risk behavior since learning their HIV-seropositive status. Level of HIV-related knowledge did not predict high-risk behavior. Drug-related risk behavior was predicted by psychiatric severity and poor behavioral skills. Sex-related risk was predicted by low levels of motivation and poor behavioral skills. Implications of these findings for treatment are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Connecticut / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications
  • HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology
  • HIV Seropositivity / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Recurrence
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / statistics & numerical data