HIV Perceived Norms and Communication Among Drug Users

描述（由申请人提供）： 注射吸毒是通过共用注射用具感染艾滋病毒的一个直接风险因素，也是通过性活动感染艾滋病毒的一个间接风险因素。许多个人和社会层面的因素可能会影响一个人的风险行为的参与。很少有研究评估了注射吸毒者的心理社会环境对减少风险做法的可能性和频率的影响。本研究将探讨注射吸毒者对艾滋病毒风险降低实践的认知规范和同行交流的作用。样本由注射吸毒者组成，他们参加了以吸毒者为对象的面向网络的艾滋病毒预防干预。参与者是通过在马里兰州巴尔的摩毒品活动高发地区的有针对性的外展活动招募的。数据收集将通过ACASI和面对面访谈进行。数据将集中在五个领域：感知的社会规范，沟通，与毒品有关的行为，降低风险的做法，和社会网络成员。这些结果可用于制定个人和社会干预措施，并有助于制定针对注射吸毒者的艾滋病毒预防政策。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Injection drug use is a direct risk factor for HIV infection through sharing injection paraphernalia as well as an indirect risk factor through sexual activity. Many individual and social level factors may influence an individual's engagement in risky behaviors. Few studies have assessed the impact of injection drug users (IDUs') psychosocial environment on the likelihood and frequency of risk reduction practices. This study will explore the role of IDUs' perceived norms and peer-topeer communication about HIV risk reduction practices. The sample consists of IDUs who are participants in a network oriented HIV prevention intervention targeted at drug users. Participants have been recruited through targeted outreach in areas with high drug activity in Baltimore, MD. Data collection will occur through ACASI and face-to-face interviews. Data will focus on five domains: perceived social norms, communication, drug-related behaviors, risk reduction practices, and social network membership. These results may be used for development of both individual and social interventions, as well as contribute to the production of policies targeted at HIV prevention among IDUs.