Effect of psychological factors on risk behavior of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among intravenous drug users (IVDUs).

The effect of psychological factors on drug and sexual behaviors in relation to HIV infection was investigated among 262 IVDUs in methadone clinics in New York City. Among female IVDUs, the HIV positive subjects reported larger numbers of sex partners than those subjects who were HIV negative, and those who had larger numbers of sex partners were more likely to be depressed. The IVDUs who had larger numbers of needle-sharing partners at shooting galleries were more likely to be HIV positive. Intervention programs should focus on IVDUs who are sexually active females, sharing needles at galleries, still using heroin and cocaine, and who began using heroin at an early age.