Addict Behav. 1997 Mar-Apr;22(2):287-92. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
This study examined the relationship among cocaine use, psychiatric
distress, and HIV risk behaviors of homeless men. A 3 x 2 ANOVA was
computed to determine overall mean HIV risk behavior, with the first
factor representing three levels of psychiatric distress (low, moderate,
and high) and the second factor representing use or no use of cocaine.
Overall, homeless men who used cocaine had significantly higher HIV risk
scores than did noncocaine users. Among the homeless men who used
cocaine, those men who reported high psychiatric distress had
significantly higher HIV risk scores than did noncocaine users and
cocaine users with low psychiatric distress. Moreover, these risk scores
predominantly represented three high risk sexual behaviors; lack of
condom use, multiple sex partners, and participation in commercial sex.
Outreach efforts that target both substance use and especially high-risk
sexual practices are urged for this population.
*Cocaine *Homeless Persons/PSYCHOLOGY *HIV Infections/TRANSMISSION
*Mental Disorders/PSYCHOLOGY *Substance Dependence/PSYCHOLOGY