Injecting drug use is associated with HIV risk perception among Mexican Americans in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, USA

Abstract

Objectives-Injection drug use (IDU) remains an actual risk variable in HIV infection in most ethnic populations and the association between actual risk and individual perception of HIV risk varies across studies and samples. This study aimed to examine the relationship between IDU and HIV risk perception among Mexican Americans residing in Rio Grande Valley, South Texas.Study Design-A cross-sectional study of IDU as a predictor of HIV risk perception.Methods-We assessed 275 participants (IDU = 11.9%, non-IDU = 88.1%) for the association between IDU and individual risk perception for HIV infections, as well as history of drug use and HIV risk perception using chi square statistic for independence and logistic regression model for the prevalence odds ratio.Results-There was no statistically significant difference between IDU and non-IDU with respect to the socio-demographic variables except for income and gender, P < 0.05. The results further indicated a statistically significant decreased HIV risk perception among injection drug users (IDUs) compared with non-IDUs, after adjustment for age, gender, sexual preference, history of drug use and marital status, prevalence odds ratio (POR), 0.26, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.11-0.65. Likewise, history of drug use was associated with decreased HIV risk perception, POR, 0.44, 95% CI, 0.22-0.98.Conclusions-These results suggest an inverse correlation between actual risk for HIV infection such as IDU and HIV risk perception. Therefore, assessing HIV risk perception, which is a significant determinant of behavior change, is essential in reducing HIV infection prevalence in the targeted population.

Individual and Socio-Environmental Factors Associated with Unsafe Injection Practices Among Young Adult Injection Drug Users in San Diego

“…Thus, it is unlikely that the number of syringes obtained through the program is sufficient to meet their needs. Since perceived susceptibility to acquiring HIV and perceived barriers to engaging in safe injection practices are the two most significant individual constructs in determining behavior change [28]. Our results highlight an important factor of ‘perceived barriers to obtaining sterile syringes’ that could be addressed by expanding the services provided by the local SEP.…”

Perceived risk of HIV infection among deported male injection drug users in Tijuana, Mexico

“…Deportees in our study injected for ~17 years. Having an extended history of drug use has been linked with a decreased perceived susceptibility to HIV infection (Essien et al, 2008) and may be indicative of having an extensive social network of drug users. Social networks composed of IDUs can produce normative risk perceptions surrounding drug use practices where risky behaviours are no longer viewed as such (Costenbader, Astone, & Latkin, 2006; Friedman & Aral, 2001; Kowalewski, Henson, & Longshore, 1997; Latkin, Sherman, & Knowlton, 2003; Renn, 1998; Rhodes et al, 2005; Wagner et al, 2011).…”

“…This in part may help explain the high proportion of inconsistent condom use among IDUs with their steady female partners. Another study among Mexican drug users in Texas found that married participants were twice as likely to perceive being at risk for HIV than non-married participants (Essien et al, 2008). Additional research on migrants’ post-repatriation social networks and the role of partners is needed in order to better understand HIV risk perceptions among this population.…”

“…Studies among drug using Mexican and other Latino migrants in the U.S. have found a decreased perception of HIV susceptibility (Essien et al, 2008; McBride et al, 1999). In the United States, various HIV prevention strategies have been employed to reach and disseminate culturally and linguistically competent HIV health information to migrants (Ramos, Ferreira-Pinto, Rusch, & Ramos, 2010; Ramos, Hernandez, Ferreira-Pinto, Ortiz, & Somerville, 2006; Vargas & Cunningham, 2006).…”

“…Among drug users, including Latino injection drug users (IDUs), low perceived HIV risk has been associated with increased engagement in HIV-risk behaviours (e.g., sharing syringes, injecting in shooting galleries) (Essien et al, 2008; McBride, Weatherby, Inciardi, & Gillespie, 1999). Individuals' knowledge and perceptions of risk may shape behaviours and health outcomes (Slovic, 1987).…”