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Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the maintenance of a high intention of avoiding initiation into drug injection among street youths. A prospective cohort study of street youths aged 14 to 23 was initiated in Montreal in July 2001. A total of 330 street youths who had never injected drugs and had completed at least one semi-annual follow-up questionnaire were included in the analysis. The prediction of the maintenance of a high intention over given time intervals of 6 to 36 months was assessed. At baseline, 83.6% of the respondents firmly intended avoiding initiation into drug injection. Maintenance of high intention was significantly associated with the maintenance of high values of perceived control, attitude and role beliefs. These results clearly demonstrate that youths who maintain a high intention of avoiding initiation into drug injection hold more favourable cognitions over time.