Faculty Collaboration Database

The relationship between housing status and HIV risk among active drug users: a qualitative analysis. Subst Use Misuse 2009;44(2):139-62

Date

01/15/2009

Pubmed ID

19142817

Pubmed Central ID

PMC2646376

DOI

10.1080/10826080802344823

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-61649106330 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   31 Citations

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between housing status and HIV risk using longitudinal, qualitative data collected in 2004-2005, from a purposeful sample of 65 active drug users in a variety of housed and homeless situations in Hartford, Connecticut. These data were supplemented with observations and in-depth interviews regarding drug use behavior collected in 2001-2005 to evaluate a peer-led HIV prevention intervention. Data reveal differences in social context within and among different housing statuses that affect HIV risk or protective behaviors including the ability to carry drug paraphernalia and HIV prevention materials, the amount of drugs in the immediate environment, access to subsidized and supportive housing, and relationships with those with whom drug users live. Policy implications of the findings, limitations to the data, and future research are discussed.

Author List

Dickson-Gomez J, Hilario H, Convey M, Corbett AM, Weeks M, Martinez M

Author

Julia Dickson-Gomez PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Connecticut
Female
HIV Infections
Housing
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Policy Making
Risk Assessment
Substance Abuse, Intravenous