Behavioral risk reduction in a declining HIV epidemic: Injection drug users in New York City, 1990-1997

Abstract

Objectives. This study assessed trends in HIV risk behaviors among injection drug users in New York City from 1990 to 1997. Methods. Injection drug users were recruited continuously from a large drug detoxification treatment program (N = 2588) and a research storefront located in a high- drug-use area (N = 2701). Informed consent was obtained, and a trained interviewer administered a structured interview covering sociodemographics, drug use history, HIV risk behavior, and participation in syringe exchange. Results. Trends were assessed for 5 risk behaviors in the 6-month period before the interview. The 3 injection risk behaviors declined significantly over time at each site (all P