Cocaine use and HIV risk behavior in methadone maintenance patients

Drug Alcohol Depend. 1995 Jan;37(1):29-35. doi: 10.1016/0376-8716(94)01058-s.

Abstract

This study examined sexual and drug use behavior in 247 methadone maintenance patients, to explore the association of cocaine use with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior. In univariate analyses, cocaine use was positively associated with any drug injection, number of injections, and sexual intercourse without condoms. These relationships remained significant after controlling for other drug use and demographic factors. Heroin use also contributed to injection-related risk. We conclude that cocaine use represents a continued source of risk for exposure to HIV in this population, and that more aggressive efforts are warranted to reduce illicit drug use, particularly of heroin and cocaine, in methadone patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine*
  • Comorbidity
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Heroin Dependence / epidemiology*
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Minority Groups / statistics & numerical data
  • Philadelphia / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / rehabilitation
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation

Substances

  • Cocaine
  • Methadone