Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Understanding Differences In Hiv/Hcv Prevalence According To Differentiated Risk Behaviors In A Sample Of Pwid In Rural Puerto Rico, Roberto Abadie, Melissa L. Welch-Lazoritz, Camila Gelpi- Acosta, Juan Carlos Reyes, Kirk Dombrowski

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Background: Blood contained in needles and injection equipment has been identified as a vector for HIV and HCV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID). Yet, there is often a wide discrepancy in prevalence for both viruses. While microbiological differences between viruses influence prevalence, other variables associated with the way drugs are acquired and used, also play a role.

Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) methods recruited a sample of 315 current intravenous drug users in rural Puerto Rico. Information about type and frequency of use, HIV and HVC risk behaviors (sharing needles, cookers, cotton, and water), sexual behaviors, and alcohol use …