THE PREVALENCE OF ADDITIONAL INJECTION-RELATED HIV RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG INJECTION-DRUG USERS

This study assesses the prevalence of injection-related behaviors that may facilitate HIV transmission even when syringes are not directly s hared. Subjects who self-reported practicing these ''indirect sharing' ' behaviors are described, the prevalence of these behaviors are compa red with the direct sharing of syringes, and variables independently a ssociated with indirect sharing are determined. Injection-related risk s were assessed among 585 injection drug users (IDUs) in Denver, Color ado. Respondents were classified into three groups based on their self -reported injection behaviors: IDUs who directly and indirectly share syringes, IDUs who indirectly share only, and IDUs who neither directl y or indirectly share. Indirect sharing was twice as prevalent as dire ct sharing. IDUs who injected heroin or speedballs were less safe in t heir injection behavior than those who did not. Drug treatment did not protect against injection-related risk behaviors; however, exposure t o community HIV prevention efforts was protective. Indirect sharing be haviors are common, yet their link to HIV transmission remains unrecog nized by many IDUs. IDUs must be informed about these additional risk behaviors.