INJECTION-DRUG USERS IN THE MIDWEST - AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC COMPARISON OF DRUG-USE PATTERNS IN 4 OHIO CITIES

Variations in the drug use patterns of injection drug users (IDUs) can have important implications for public health efforts aimed al reduci ng drug abuse and the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus . This article describes and compares the characteristics of IDUs livi ng in four Ohio cities and compares African-American and White IDUs at a statewide level. Data from 2,001 IDUs who were recruited for the Na tional AIDS Demonstration Research project between 1989 and 1991 in Co lumbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton were compared on a number of variables by city and by ethnicity using descriptive statistics and A NCOVA analysis. Significant differences among IDUs in the four cities exist for the use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin, speed ball, other opioids, shooting gallery use, ''safer'' needle practices, treatment history, and self-help participation. Differences by ethnic ity emerged on all variables except marijuana use, overall injection f requency, and incarceration experience. The results suggest that drama tic differences exist between African-American and White IDUs, and amo ng IDUs in cities relatively close together, regardless of ethnicity. These findings should be considered when developing policy and program s for prevention and treatment activities targeting IDUs.