COGNITIVE READINESS OF DRUG INJECTORS TO REDUCE AIDS RISKS

The impact of motivational factors on AIDS high-risk behavior after pa rticipation in an AIDS intervention program was explored among 208 out -of-treatment injecting drug users (IDUs). It was hypothesized that lo wer risk behavior would be evident at follow-up among IDUs who indicat ed higher concern about their susceptibility to AIDS prior to interven tion. Results showed that this motivational indicator predicted lower risks 6 months after the intervention. Overall, this study indicates t hat psychoeducational AIDS interventions will be most beneficial to in dividuals with sufficient cognitive readiness to address drug-and AIDS -related issues at a personal level. Assessments of risk and motivatio n levels of program participants should be used to tailor intervention strategies to meet individual needs.