NCJ Number
125108
Journal
Behavioral Scientist Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: (March/April 1990) Pages: 491-502
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes generational differences in HIV-risk behaviors and seroprevalence in a population of intravenous drug users (IVDU's).
Abstract
Four hundred seventy-two participants answered questions developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse on the extent of drug use, condom use, number of sexual partners, needle sharing, and use of shooting galleries. Three generations of participants were defined: pre-baby boomers born prior to 1946; baby-boomers born between 1946 and 1958; and post-baby boomers born between 1959 and 1970. Over one-fourth of the baby boomers were seropositive, compared to 21.8 percent of the older generation and 16.8 percent of the younger generation. The data show baby boomers were more likely to never use condoms in their sexual activity, to have used a shooting gallery in the past 6 months over the younger or older generations. Because of the practice of these significant risk behaviors, baby boomers are at greater risk for HIV infection than their older or younger counterparts. 17 references and 4 figures.