Sexual risk behaviours of Puerto Rican drug users in East Harlem New York and Bayamón, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican drug users both in New York and Puerto Rico have disproportionately high rates of HIV/AIDS. This paper derives findings from the ARIBBA Project--a dual site study of HIV risk behaviour determinants among Puerto Rican injection drug users and crack smokers, conducted in East Harlem, NY and Bayamón, PR. Qualitative data collected in focus groups, interviews and observations revealed significant differences in sexual risk behaviours, perceptions of risks and cultural/behavioural norms between the two locations, which were supported by the results of a survey of 1200 drug users. Recommendations are made for enhancing HIV risk reduction efforts in both communities.