Injection and Non-injection Drug User Behaviors

HIV Risk Behaviors Differ Among Injection Drug Users (IDUs), Crack Smokers (Non-Injection Drug Users, and IDUs Who Smoke Crack

A study was conducted to assess differences in sex-related risk behaviors between injection drug users who did not smoke crack cocaine, crack smokers or non-injection drug users, and drug users who both injected drugs and smoked crack. Current drug users from 22 cities were recruited and interviewed. The sample of 26,892 included 28% IDUs only, 42% crack smokers only, and 30% who injected drugs and smoked crack. Results showed that active drug users were at risk of HIV through sexual transmission: in the 30 days prior to the interview, 28% reported sex with two or more individuals, 23% had an IDU sex partner, and 24% exchanged sex for drugs or money. In addition, more than 80% did not use a condom during sex. Crack smokers only, and crack smokers who also injected were more likely than IDUs only to report multiple sex partners and exchanging sex. Because of these high risk behaviors, condom use was of particular importance. The number of days of alcohol use and having an IDU sex partner were independently associated with not using a condom. Crack smoking injectors reported the highest average number of days of alcohol consumption and were the most likely to have had an IDU sex partner.

Information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

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