BEHAVIORAL RISK-FACTORS AND HIV-INFECTION OF INJECTION-DRUG USERS AT DETOXIFICATION CLINICS IN PUERTO-RICO

Background. The ethnic and geographical variations of AIDS prevalence among injection drug users (IDU) have highlighted the need to understa nd the role of the relevant risk factors in specific subpopulations of IDU. In this study we examine the factors related to seropositivity a mong IDU entering drug detoxification facilities in metropolitan San J uan, Puerto Rico. Methods. From October 1990 until August 1991, 390 ID U were interviewed. Four groups of risk factors were examined: sexual practices, drug injection behaviours, risk behaviours while in US Main land cities, and while incarcerated. A stepwise logistic regression mo del was used to simultaneously assess the independent effects of the b ehavioural risk factors on HIV seropositivity. Results. Of the 342 IDU who were tested for HIV antibodies, 29.5% were seropositive. The beha viours found to be associated with seropositivity were: having sex wit h an IDU in the last 6 months; having injected drugs for over 5 years; and injecting with used needles while incarcerated. Discussion. Publi c health programmes will need to establish more effective collaborativ e links with correctional institutions in order to reduce the spread o f HIV among IDU in Puerto Rico.