Determinants associated with the persistence of risk behaviours in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND: Determinants associated with risk behaviours are evaluated in a known HIV-infected population not belonging to the great metropolitan nucl ei. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 110 unselected HIV+ patients were interviewed, includ ing 77 variables. Their association with sharing needles, and unprotected s ex is analysed. RESULTS: Sharing needles was associated to: low academic achievement (p = 0 .045), no children (p = 0.045), any physical limitation (p = 0.004), previo us admission to detoxification unit (p = 0.014), and depression. With unpro tected sex were associated: low academic achievement (p = 0.005), lesser ti me of HIV infection (p = 0.009), no family support (p = 0.005), and scanty information about HIV transmission (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: A cohort of HIV-infected subjects who persist with risk practi ces is remaining. Some easily recognizable variables may be useful for thei r early recognition.