Correlates of perceived risk of HIV infection among persons who inject drugs in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico / Correlaciones de percepción de riesgo de infección con VIH entre personas que se inyectan droga en Tijuana, Baja California, México

Objective. We identified correlates of perceived risk of HIV infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana. Materials and methods. PWID ≥18 years of age who injected drugs in the past month were recruited between 2006-2007 and completed risk assessment interviews and serologic testing for HIV, syphilis, and tuberculosis. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with high-perceived risk of HIV infection. Results. Among 974 PWID, HIV prevalence was 4.4%; 45.0% of participants perceived themselves to be more likely to become HIV infected relative to other PWID in Tijuana. Participants who reported high-perceived risk of HIV infection participated in high-risk behaviors such as injecting with used syringes, transactional sex, and were less likely to have had an HIV test. Conclusions. Recognition of HIV infection risk was associated with high risk behaviors and markers of vulnerability. Findings support efforts to encourage HIV testing and access to health care for this vulnerable population.

Objetivo. Identificar factores correlacionados con el riesgo percibido de contraer VIH entre personas que se inyectan drogas (PID) en Tijuana. Material y métodos. Entre 2006-2007 se reclutaron PID ≥18 años de edad que se inyectaron drogas en el último año previo al estudio y completaron entrevistas para evaluación de riesgos y pruebas serológicas para VIH, sífilis y tuberculosis. Se utilizó regresión logística para determinar factores asociados con alto-riesgo percibido para la infección del VIH. Resultados. En los 974 PID la prevalencia de VIH fue 4.4%; 45.0% se consideró con mayor probabilidad de infectarse con VIH en relación con otros PID en Tijuana. Los participantes que reportaron alto riesgo percibido participaron en comportamientos de alto riesgo como inyectarse con jeringas usadas y transacción sexual, y tenían menos probabilidades de haber tenido una prueba de VIH. Conclusiones. Reconocer el riesgo del VIH se asoció con comportamientos de alto riesgo y marcadores de vulnerabilidad. Los resultados apoyan los esfuerzos para fomentar las pruebas para VIH y acceso a servicios de salud para esta población vulnerable.

Using thought mapping and structured stories to decrease HIV risk behaviors among cocaine injectors and crack smokers in the South of Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To compare changes in AIDS knowledge and risk behaviors among Brazilian cocaine users in an intervention trial. METHOD: 119 participants were randomly assigned to either a standard or a standard plus "thought mapping" intervention, and re-interviewed 2 and 8 weeks after intake using standardized data collection instruments. Intervention effects were examined using generalized estimated equation model. RESULTS: Significant increases in AIDS knowledge and condom use were observed in the experimental group, as well as significant changes in the subscores for sexual and drug risks. The experimental intervention was less successful in decreasing mean days of cocaine use when compared to the standard. CONCLUSION: Although not robust, the findings nevertheless suggest that components of the experimental thought-mapping model might be useful in combination with other approaches.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar as mudanças em conhecimento sobre AIDS e comportamentos de risco em usuários de cocaína brasileiros submetidos a uma intervenção experimental. MÉTODO: 119 sujeitos foram aleatoriamente designados para uma intervenção padrão ou uma intervenção padrão adicionada a um "mapa cognitivo", e re-entrevistados duas e oito semanas após admissão no estudo, utilizando-se instrumentos de coleta padronizados. Os efeitos da intervenção foram examinados utilizando modelo de equações de estimação generalizadas. RESULTADOS: Foram observados aumentos significativos no conhecimento sobre AIDS e uso de preservativos no grupo experimental, bem como modificações significativas nos subescores para risco sexual e uso de drogas. A intervenção experimental teve menos sucesso em diminuir dias de uso de cocaína quando comparada com a intervenção padrão. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de não serem robustos, os achados sugerem que os componentes do modelo de mapa cognitivo experimentados poderiam ser úteis em combinação com outras abordagens.

Personality profile among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positives and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients of injecting drug users.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to find out the various personality factors among HIV/AIDS patients of injecting drug users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted during the period of July 2001 to August 2004 at Manipur State, India in which 60 samples of both male and female in the age range of 21 to 35 years were taken through the helps from R.I.M.S Hospital, Imphal, J.N. Hospital, Imphal and several NGOs of Manipur. The patients were administered 16 PF (Personality profile developed by R.B. Cattell and H.W. Eber) test in which 16 personalities were detected. RESULTS: The profile of the respondents includes age and sex cases of HIV/ AIDS. In the sample among the HIV/AIDS patients, from the age group of 21 to 25 years consists of only 20%. Most of the patients are from 26 to 35 years consisting of two age groups, i.e., 26 to 30 years and 31 to 35 years having 40% each with total of 80%. In the survey, it has been found that majority of the HIV/AIDS patients is male which consists of 60% and remaining 40% belongs to female in the ratio of 60:40. The following four scales are used to explain personality profile: 1 Introversion vs extraversion. 2 Low anxiety vs high anxiety. 3 Emotional sensitivity vs tough poise. 4 Subdueness vs independence.

El abuso de drogas: características personales del adicto / Drug abuse: the outstanding of the personality of an addict

El artículo ofrece un panorama general sobre el tema del abuso de drogas, destacando dos aspectos sobresaliente de la personalidad del adicto, las bases del tratamiento y de la intervención de enfermería