Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity among Puerto Rican injection drug users: Implications for social work practice.
Item
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Title
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Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity among Puerto Rican injection drug users: Implications for social work practice.
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Identifier
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AAI9530916
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identifier
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9530916
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Creator
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Rodriguez, Gloria M.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Michael J. Smith
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Date
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1995
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work | Health Sciences, Public Health
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Abstract
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While significant progress has been made in the identification of risk behaviors that contribute to Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among injection drug users (IDUs), much less progress has been made in identifying and clarifying risk factors for HIV transmission among not-in-treatment IDUs. Moreover, even less is known about the risk factors that fuel the HIV epidemic among Hispanic IDUs.;To address this need, from March 1990 to August 1992, a convenience sample of 310 Puerto Rican IDUs not-in-treatment in Paterson, New Jersey was recruited by outreach workers to storefront offices where they were interviewed about AIDS-risk behaviors and tested for antibodies to HIV. Information was gathered on: sociodemographic characteristics; general health status; current and past drug use patterns (including drug of choice, routes of administration, and frequency of use); needle sharing and cleaning practices, sexual practices; AIDS knowledge; and, past drug treatment history. Data from 288 IDUs (92.9%) were analyzed. 109 (38.5%) tested HIV antibody positive. Twelve variables were found to be significantly associated with HIV seropositivity in the univariate analysis. These were: age of respondent; duration of drug injection; major source of income; no non-injected heroin use; injecting mixed heroin and cocaine; borrowing used needles; renting used needles; lending used needles to friends; always wearing a condom; reporting no sexual activity in the last six months; a history of syphilis; and, subjects rating of their own AIDS risk. In the multiple logistic regression model only three variables were significantly associated with HIV seropositivity. The single most important correlate of HIV infection was the reported length of injection drug use. A perceived "high" or "sure" chance of developing AIDS and borrowing used needles also emerged as a correlate to HIV infection, although the data indicated that these last two variables only had a small/partial contribution.;A model health education/risk reduction program addressing risk among this population is presented. Implications for social work practice are discussed.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
