HIV Infection in Intravenous Drug Users: a follow–up study indicating changes in risk‐taking behaviour

Abstract

Summary The present study attempts to quantify behavioural change in a group of intravenous drug misusers over a period of a year from pre–AIDS awareness to post‐Governmental intervention. In 1986 49 known intravenous heroin users were questioned closely about their needle sharing and sexual behaviour. Beginning 6 months later a follow‐up involving 80% of the original group took place and all subjects were re‐interviewed. Significant changes emerged without exception in all aspects of drug use and sexual behaviour, and were most obvious in drug users infected with HIV. Non‐infected drug users displayed a less extreme range of behaviours in both the first part of the study and the follow‐up and may partly explain why they have remained uninfected.