HIV-INFECTION RISKS AMONG HOMELESS, MENTALLY-ILL, CHEMICAL MISUSING MEN

This study attempts to identify the specific role that each of three c onditions afflicting homeless, mentally ill, chemically misusing (HMIC M) men plays in exposing these men to the risk of HN infection. Three hundred and fifteen HMICM men (33 of whom were HlV+) were interviewed on intravenous drug use (IVDU) and sex practices. Two scales of risky IVDU practices and sex conducts were constructed and analyzed in relat ion to HIV status. The severity of homelessness, mental illness, and c hemical misuse, then, were analyzed as possible predictors of risky IV DU and sex practices. Strong correlations were found between IVDU prac tices and HIV seropositivity, and between risky sex conduct and HIV se ropositivity. Serious depression was the strongest predictor of risky IVDU practices. Prolonged homelessness was the condition most associat ed with risky sexual conduct. This study concludes that HMICM men are at high risk for HN infection, stemming, predominately, from two condi tions: depression, leading to risky IVDU practices, and homelessness, leading to risky sex conduct with two separate types of risky behavior .