Injecting-drug users risk behaviors high

Despite more than a decade of declines in HIV infections among U.S. injection drug users, risk behaviors among this group remain high, health officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report said the analysis involved risk behaviors, HIV testing and use of prevention services in the preceding 12 months among 10,301 injection drug users of HIV-negative or unknown status.

The data was collected through the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System from May 2005 through February 2006.

About 32 percent reported sharing syringes and 33 percent reported other injection equipment. Sixty-two percent reported having had unprotected vaginal sex and 47 percent reported having had multiple partners, the report said.

The study indicates that many injecting-drug users are also at risk for acquiring HIV through sexual behavior, the researchers said. Nearly three-quarters had been tested for HIV in the past year, but additional testing is critical given the high levels of risk behavior in this population, the report said.