NCJ Number
140166
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1992) Pages: 885-901
Date Published
1992
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Between April and July 1990, 150 clients admitted for treatment to two detoxification centers and seven outpatient clinics operated by the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) completed questionnaires concerning their level of AIDS-related knowledge and their needle-sharing and high-risk sexual behaviors.
Abstract
This sample consisted mainly of older individuals with a long and continued history of drug abuse. Primary cocaine, heroin, and amphetamine injection was prevalent, although injection of prescription drugs was not uncommon. Concurrent use of alcohol, cannabis, and other noninjection drugs was evident. This sample exhibited a high level of knowledge about AIDS, but the findings showed a lack of correspondence between this knowledge and protective behavior. As a group, needle- sharing remained common and cleaning methods were not always consistent or effective. These intravenous drug users engaged in a number of high-risk sexual behaviors including failure to use condoms, multiple partners, and partners who injected drugs themselves. The results indicated that some of the respondents had modified, although not eliminated, their high- risk behaviors. The study confirmed previous research showing an overlap between unsafe injection practices and risky sexual contact. 6 tables, 5 notes, and 26 references