Predicting substance abuse among youth with, or at high risk for, HIV

This article describes data from 4,111 males and 4,085 females participatin g in 10 HIV/AIDS service demonstration projects. The sample was diverse in age, gender, ethnicity, HIV status, and risk for HIV transmission. Logistic regression was used to determine the attributes that best predict substanc e abuse. Males who were younger; HN positive; homeless: involved in the cri minal justice system; had a sexually transmitted disease (STD); engaged in survival sex; and participated in risky sex with men, women, and drug injec tors were most likely to have a substance abuse history. For females, the s ame predictors were significant, with the exception of having an STD. Odds ratios as high as 6 to 1 were associated with the predictors. Information a but sexual and other risk factors also was highly predictive of substance a buse issues among youth.