We identified factors associated with shooting gallery attendance among injection drug users (IDUs) in two Mexico-US border cities. IDUs in Tijuana (n=222) and Ciudad Juarez (n=205), Mexico, who were >or=18 years and injected illicit drugs in the last month were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). An interviewer-administered survey collected sociodemographic and behavioral data. Logistic regression was used to examine correlates of shooting gallery attendance in each of the two cities. Homelessness and being arrested for syringe possession--both structural level factors--were associated with shooting gallery use in both cities. In Ciudad Juarez, younger age and having overdosed were also associated with shooting gallery use. Our study highlights the need for structural interventions that mitigate homelessness among IDUs and facilitate changes in law enforcement practices associated with shooting gallery use. Harm reduction interventions based within shooting galleries should also be considered to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens among IDUs.
Promotoras along the U.S.-Mexico border in the role of animadoras (motivators) used a chain referral strategy called Pasa la Voz (Spread the Word). Latinas at high to moderate risk of HIV infection became better informed about prevention, accessed prevention services, and referred other at-risk Latinas for services.
Background
We examine factors related to general health and health behavior, including smoking, that may be associated with binge drinking, drinking ‘at risk’ and potential for alcohol use disorder among young adults of Mexican ancestry.
Methods
2191 young adult emergency department (ED) patients (18–30) of Mexican ancestry in a public hospital proximate to the US/Mexican border were interviewed using health surveys including questions on general health, drinking, smoking and drug use.
Results
37% of the study participants reported binge drinking, 38% were “at risk” alcohol users above NIAAA guidelines and 22% were RAPS positive (indicating potential for alcohol use disorder). Smoking was reported by 31%, marijuana use by 16%, and other drug use by 9%. Multiple variable models revealed that smoking was the strongest factor predicting binge drinking. Those who smoked were 3.1(p<0.0001) times more likely to binge drink. Other factors independently associated with binge drinking were age 22–25 year old (OR=1.5, p=0.003), male gender (OR=1.5, p=0.0001), and ED visit for injury (OR=1.4, p=0.007).
Conclusions
There is a strong association of smoking and binge drinking; hence brief interventions for young Hispanics should be designed to include discussion of avoidance of binge drinking and smoking which could improve the efficacy of these interventions.
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