Predictors of Methamphetamine Injection in Out-of-Treatment IDUs

Abstract

From 2004–2006, 439 injection drug users were recruited in Denver, Colorado, to participate in a study of drug use and HCV risk. Over two-thirds were male, more than half were white, and 28% were methamphetamine injectors. The Risk Behavior Assessment, which assesses demographics, drug use, and HIV risk behaviors, was used. Variables were assessed for association with methamphetamine (MA) injection. A logistic regression model was built using forward stepwise method to determine independent associations between variables of interest and MA injection. The study's limitations are noted, and implications are described.

Keywords:

• methamphetamine
• HIV risk
• Hepatitis C
• drug injection
• peer education