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SM Journal of Infectious Diseases

Difference in HIV Testing Behavior by Injection Status, among users of Illicit Drugs

[ ISSN : 3066-134X ]

Abstract
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Received: 20-Apr-2018

Accepted: 13-Jun-2018

Published: 18-Jun-2018

Research Article | Volume 3 - Issue 1 | Article DOI :

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Kirsha S Gordon¹,²*, Mary Ann Chiasson¹,³, Donald R Hoover⁴, Silvia S Martins¹, Patrick A Wilson⁵, and Crystal Fuller Lewis⁶,⁷

¹Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, USA

²Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, USA

³Public Health Solutions, Research and Evaluation Unit, USA

?Department of Statistics & Biostatistics, and Institute for Health, Rutgers University, USA

?Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, USA

?Division of Social Solutions and Services Research, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, USA

?Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, USA

Corresponding Author:

Kirsha S Gordon, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St. NY, NY 10032, USA, Tel: (203)350-3523; Email:kirsha.gordon@yale.edu

Keywords

HIV testing; Illicit drug users; HIV/AIDS prevention; Social support; Social network characteristics

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains prevalent among the minority and drug using population in the United States. Testing for HIV is an important and cost-effective way to reduce HIV prevalence. Using a cross-sectional design, we assessed the HIV testing behavior of People who use Non-Injected Drugs (PWND) and compared it to People who use Injected Drugs (PWID) using negative binomial regression models. People who use non-injected drugs were less likely to test for HIV compared to those who use injected drugs. To exert a greater impact on the HIV epidemic, interventions and policies encouraging HIV testing in PWND, an under-recognized and equally at risk sub-population, are warranted.

Citation

Gordon KS, Chiasson MA, Hoover DR, Martins SS, Wilson PA and Lewis CF. Difference in HIV Testing Behavior by Injection Status, among users of Illicit Drugs. SM Journal of Infect Dis. 2018; 3(1): 1008s