Trends in injection risk behaviors in a sample of New York City injection drug users: 1992-1995

Objectives: This study assessed the relation between year of recruitment in to an AIDS prevention project and likelihood of engaging (yes/no) in inject ion risk behaviors. Methods: In total, 834 injection drug users were recruited over a 44-month period (January 1992-August 1995) in New York City. Logistic regression was used to examine trends in three behaviors, across four successive annual c ohorts: using needles/syringes that were previously used by another person, using injection supplies (e.g., cookers, cotton, rinse water) that had bee n previously used, and giving or lending of used needles/syringes to anothe r person. Results: Significant (p < .0001) decreasing trends occurred in two behavior s: giving or lending of used needles/syringes to another person and use of injection supplies that had been used by another person. Sample characteris tics were generally consistent over time and did not obviate significant in jection risk trends. Conclusions: Decreasing trends in injection risk behaviors could not be exp lained by changing sample characteristics. Even though some injectors repor t engaging in risky injection practices, the confluence of numerous AIDS pr evention efforts in the 1990s has contributed to an overall reduction in th e likelihood of such behaviors.