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Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 19, No. 4, 646-658 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264307301169

Comorbid Substance Use and HIV Risk in Older African American Drug Users

Sharon D. Johnson, PhD

University of Missouri-St. Louis, Sharon_Johnson{at}umsl.edu

Catherine Striley, PhD

Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Linda B. Cottler, PhD

Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Objectives: This analysis examines substance abuse/dependence and related HIV risk behaviors among older drug users in comparison to their younger counterparts. Methods: Data related to substance use disorders and HIVrelated behaviors were collected from 1,079 African American drug users recruited using a street outreach method. Results: Older users were less likely to have engaged in recent sexual activity, but those who did engage did not vary significantly in their sexual risk behaviors than did drug users aged 25 to 44. Older users were more likely to abuse cocaine and be opiate dependent than younger users were, and this abuse and dependence, along with alcohol abuse, were associated with older users' perception of their risk for HIV/AIDS. Discussion: Although the years 25 to 44 are considered a critical age for HIV risk, older substance users have similar levels of risk for HIV/AIDS. However, older users may not understand how some behaviors contribute to HIV risk.

Key Words: HIV risk • substance use • age • African Americans


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