Estimated HIV risk among Hispanics in a national sample of drug users

Objective: To estimate and compare the HIV risks among three Hispanic subpo pulations. Methods: Chronic drug users participating in a nationwide intervention stud y on drug use were interviewed with regard to drug use and sexual behavior. HIV risk was estimated using information about individuals' HIV-relevant b ehaviors, the social context (i.e., city) in which such behaviors occur, an d published estimates of HIV transmission for various risk behaviors. Multi ple linear regression analysis was used to investigate differences in estim ated HIV risk between Puerto Rican, Mexican-American, and Mexican drug user s, accounting for sociodemographic factors, sexual preference, and geograph ic region. Results: Puerto Ricans had significantly greater estimated overall HIV risk , estimated injection risk, and in general, significantly greater estimated sexual risk than Mexican Americans and Mexicans. No significant difference s were found in any estimated risk between Mexican Americans and Mexicans i n this sample. No significant differences were found among any of the subgr oups for estimated risk from having anal sex while using a condom, or from having receptive anal sex without using a condom. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Puerto Ricans who use drugs experi ence a higher risk of HIV infection than other Hispanic drug users. Researc h is needed to identify which economic, social, and cultural components acc ount for this increased risk.