NCJ Number
189329
Date Published
September 2000
Length
106 pages
Annotation
This document presents information on a scientifically tested model of community-based outreach to reduce the risk of HIV and other blood-borne infections in drug users.
Abstract
Findings from more than 30 studies reported that community-based outreach was an effective strategy for reaching drug-using populations and providing them with the means for behavior change. Of those drug users who participated in community-based outreach interventions, a significant number entered treatment for their drug addiction. This model had been found to be effective with multiracial, multiethnic, male and female, HIV seropositive and seronegative, infected and non-infected drug-using populations residing in areas with low, medium, and high HIV prevalence. This model featured community-based outreach as a primary vehicle for accessing out-of-treatment drug users at risk and eliciting their commitment to HIV/AIDS risk reduction, followed by two sessions of risk-reduction counseling and education. The sessions were organized to include optional testing and pre-and post-test counseling for HIV and other blood-borne infections. Intervention activities drew on principles of HIV prevention for drug-using populations, communications theory about credible messengers, and health behavior theory about perceptions of personal vulnerability. In addition to accessing drug users in a variety of community settings, outreach workers served as role models, educators, and advocates who could provide drug users with changing and accurate risk-reduction information in settings that were familiar to them and at times of greatest risk. Community outreach workers could advocate protective behaviors such as continuing drug use, using sterile syringes, disinfecting injection equipment, and using condoms among at-risk populations.