Reducing HIV-related risk behaviors among injection drug users in residential detoxification

AIDS Behav. 2011 Jan;15(1):30-44. doi: 10.1007/s10461-010-9751-7.

Abstract

This study of 632 drug injectors enrolled in eight residential detoxification centers within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network tested three interventions to reduce drug and sex risk behaviors. Participants were randomized to: (a) a two-session, HIV/HCV counseling and education (C&E) model added to treatment as usual (TAU), (b) a one-session, therapeutic alliance (TA) intervention conducted by outpatient counselors to facilitate treatment entry plus TAU, or (c) TAU. Significant reductions in drug and sex risk behaviors occurred for all three conditions over a 6-month follow-up period. C&E participants reported significantly greater rates of attending an HIV testing appointment, but this was not associated with better risk reduction outcomes. Reporting treatment participation within 2 months after detoxification and self-efficacy to practice safer injection behavior predicted reductions in injection risk behaviors. Findings indicate that participation in detoxification was followed by significant decreases in drug injection and risk behaviors for up to 6-months; interventions added to standard treatment offered no improvement in risk behavior outcomes.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Counseling*
  • Drug Users* / education
  • Drug Users* / psychology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Humans
  • Inactivation, Metabolic
  • Length of Stay
  • Logistic Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / psychology
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States
  • Young Adult