HIV infection among injecting drug users in the South Australian methadone program

Med J Aust. 1995 Mar 6;162(5):242-4. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1995.tb139876.x.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate risk factors for infection with HIV among injecting drug users (IDUs) in South Australia.

Design: Retrospective case-control study comparing HIV-infected and uninfected IDUs who had received methadone at any time between January 1981 and June 1991.

Results: Most HIV-infected clients were diagnosed between 1985 and 1987. Men were more likely to be infected than women. A history of imprisonment was associated with a higher risk of infection on univariate but not multivariate analysis. Infected IDUs on average were three years younger than noninfected IDUs when they first injected drugs.

Conclusions: Prevention programs should target young drug injectors. Prisons are important places to institute prevention programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Population Surveillance
  • Retrospective Studies
  • South Australia / epidemiology
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / drug therapy

Substances

  • Methadone