Trends in HIV seroprevalence and needle sharing among Puerto Rican drug injectors in Puerto Rico and New York: 1992-1999

This study assessed trends in HIV seroprevalence and needle-sharing behavio rs among Puerto Rican injection drug users (IDUs) in Puerto Rico and New Yo rk. Data from two studies of IDUs conducted from 1992 through 1995 and 1998 through 1999 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and East Harlem, New York, were exam ined to assess trends over this period. Separate analyses were conducted fo r IDUs who were current crack smokers Significant decreasing trends in sero prevalence were found among IDUs in the New York and Puerto Rico samples (p < .001). Significant decreasing trends in receptive and distributive needl e sharing were found in the New York sample, and a significant decline in r eceptive sharing was found in the Puerto Rico sample. Overall, higher level s of needle-sharing behaviors were reported in Puerto Rico compared with Ne w York. Decreasing trends in needle sharing and seroprevalence in both comm unities are an encouraging finding. Ongoing epidemiologic studies to monito r the epidemic and continued prevention efforts to help maintain or further these declines are needed, particularly to address the higher rates of nee dle sharing in Puerto Rico.