Distributive sharing among HIV–HCV co-infected injecting drug users: the preventive role of trust in one's physician

Abstract

This study, based on data from the MANIF 2000 cohort study, investigates the relationship between the lending of injecting equipment, drug use, and experience with HIV care. The sample comprised 224 HIV–HCV co-infected patients who reported having injected drugs in the previous six months and their 538 visits to clinical services. Longitudinal data were collected for medical status, and self-reported risk behaviors. A logistic regression GEE model was used to identify correlates of distributive sharing. After multiple adjustment, patients who reported trust in physicians were significantly less likely to report lending injection equipment while cocaine users were at increased risk. Promoting dialog between physicians and injecting drug users (IDUs) may play an important role in HIV–HCV positive prevention.

Keywords:

• drug users
• high-risk behaviors
• co-infection HIV/HCV
• trust in physician