Injection Partners, HCV, and HIV Status among Rural Persons Who Inject Drugs in Puerto Rico

• In Event: 368 - Section on Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 05. The Influence of Social Networks and Life Transitions on Risk Behaviors

Abstract

This study examines how injection networks of rural people who inject drugs (PWID) in Puerto Rico vary by self-reported/perceived hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV statuses. Interviews were conducted with 315 respondents who reported injecting drugs in the past 30 days. Analysis shows that self-perceived HCV status is significantly associated with injection risk network size. The ego networks of perceived HCV- respondents are half what is reported by those with a positive or unknown status. Unknown HIV status is associated with larger injection networks compared to those with a self-perceived HIV positive status. These findings suggests that testing and counseling intervention strategies may only be effective for those who receive a HCV- diagnosis; assuming a conscious link between status and network size. Successful interventions to curb hepatitis C spread by injectors may require approaches which focus on early preventative testing.

Authors

• Patrick Habecker, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Roberto Abadie, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Melissa Welch-Lazoritz, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Juan Carlos Reyes, University of Puerto Rico

• Bilal Khan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Kirk Dombrowski, University of Nebraska-Lincoln