Effects of Outreach Intervention on Risk Reduction Among Intravenous Drug Users

• NCJ Number: 129071
• Journal: AIDS Education and Prevention Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 253-271
• Author(s): A Neaigus; M Sufian; S R Friedman; D S Goldsmith; B Stepherson; P Mota; J Pascal; D C Des Jarlais
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA05283
• Sponsoring Agency: New York State; National Institute on Drug Abuse; New York State Dept of Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A longitudinal study of the AIDS Outreach Project in New York City examined the impact of the program on the AIDS-related risk behaviors of intravenous drug users (IVDUs). The study analyzed the extent to which unsafe drug injection and sexual behaviors decreased, whether risk reduction was a result of the project intervention or of external trends, and what factors are associated with reductions in high risk behaviors.

Abstract

The data were collected through intake and follow-up interviews with 121 subjects; the mean interval between interviews was 4.5 months. The findings indicate a significant reduction in risk taking behaviors, although half of the subjects continued to engage in unsafe sexual practices. It appeared that external trends toward HIV prevention among IVDUs was not sufficient to account for the degree of behavior modification. Subjects who injected drugs less frequently, had engaged in less frequent unprotected sex, or who were enrolled in drug treatment programs were most likely to stop high risk behaviors. While informational interventions were successful among IVDUs already engaging in lower levels of risk behavior, peer pressure and bleach distribution may be more effective for individuals whose level of risk behavior is greater. 11 tables and 34 references (Author abstract modified)