HIV seroprevalence in intravenous drug users: Los Angeles, California, 1986

• Published in: American journal of public health (1971) Vol. 79; no. 1; pp. 81 - 82
• Main Authors: Mascola, L, Lieb, L, Iwakoshi, K A, McAllister, D, Siminowski, T, Giles, M, Run, G, Fannin, S L, Strantz, I H
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Am Public Health Assoc 01.01.1989; American Public Health Association
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Health education; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; HIV; HIV Seropositivity - epidemiology; HIV Seropositivity - transmission; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Immunodeficiencies; Immunodeficiencies. Immunoglobulinopathies; Immunopathology; Injections, Intravenous; Los Angeles; Male; Medical sciences; Methadone; Needles; Other diseases. Hematologic involvement in other diseases; Random Allocation; Risk Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Tropical medicine; Los Angeles; Los Angeles California; United States > US; USA, California; Human; Immunopathology; Drug abuse; Seropositivity; Intravenous administration; United States; AIDS; Hemopathy; California; North America; Epidemiology; Infection; Viral disease; America; Risk factor; Public health
• ISSN: 0090-0036; 1541-0048
• DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.79.1.81

To estimate the seroprevalence and investigate risk behaviors for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection in intravenous drug users in Los Angeles County, a stratified, random sample of 790 clients, enrolled in either methadone maintenance or detoxification programs, were studied. Thirteen study participants (1.8 per cent) were seropositive; of these, five were homosexual/bisexual males and three were female prostitutes. Ninety-five per cent of all participants reported sharing needles. Risk reduction education efforts must be expanded before the HIV antibody prevalence rate increases.