WHERE INJECTING DRUG-USERS RECEIVE HIV COUNSELING AND TESTING

In 1990, nearly 1.5 million human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibod y tests were performed at publicly funded sites. Eight percent of thos e tests were performed for self-identified illegal injecting drug user s (IDU). The authors examined data from 28 project areas using a clien t record data base that permitted an analysis of self-reported risk be havior by type of service delivery site. Among self-identified IDUs, 6 8 percent of those tested and 82 percent of those found to be seroposi tive had obtained HIV counseling and testing services in settings othe r than drug treatment centers. The findings indicate that HIV-preventi on programs for IDUs need to be available in various service delivery settings, not just in drug treatment programs. Strong links and cooper ation between sites offering HIV counseling and testing and sites prov iding drug treatment programs are important to preventing HIV transmis sion to and from IDUs.