HIV prevalence and risk among heterosexual methamphetamine injectors in California

This study funded by Centers for Disease Control compares HIV prevalence and risk behavior among heterosexual methamphetamine (n = 428) and nonmethamphetamine (n = 878) injectors in California, USA, during 2001–2003. While HIV was not highly prevalent among methamphetamine injectors (3%), sexual and injection risk behaviors were highly prevalent (ranging from 21% to 72%). In multivariate analyses, methamphetamine injectors had higher odds than nonmethamphetamine injectors of unprotected vaginal intercourse and sex with five or more sexual partners in the past 6 months and of distributive and receptive syringe sharing in the past 30 days. There was no significant difference in HIV sero-status by methamphetamine use. Suggestions are made for designing HIV prevention programs. The study’s limitations are noted.