INJECTION-DRUG USE AMONG HOMELESS ADULTS WITH SEVERE MENTAL-ILLNESS

Objectives. This study examined injection drug use among homeless men and women with severe mental illness in two sites. Methods. The data w ere drawn from related clinical trials conducted in Baltimore (101 men . 49 women) and Boston (85 men, 33 women). Results. The percentages of homeless men with a history of injection drug use were 26% in Baltimo re and 16% in Boston. the corresponding rates among homeless women wer e 8% and 6%. Conclusions. Taken together, these and previous results s uggest high lifetime prevalences of injection drug use-and associated risks of HIV transmission-in this elusive population.