IngentaConnect Methamphetamine Abuse in California: Correlates of Injection Use

Authors: Maglione M.¹; Chao B.²; Anglin M.D.²

Source: AIDS and Behavior, Volume 02, Number 3, September 1998 , pp. 257-261(5)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

Methamphetamine use has recently increased to epidemic proportions in California. In fiscal year 1995, almost 20,000 drug treatment clients reported methamphetamine as primary drug. Of these clients, about one in five reported injection as primary route of administration. This paper identifies correlates of injection among methamphetamine users in order to assist in targeting HIV prevention efforts. Clients reporting methamphetamine as primary drug were selected from the California Alcohol and Drug Data System for analysis. Descriptive statistics were compiled and a logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of injection use. Latino and African-American methamphetamine users were less likely than White methamphetamine users to report injection as primary route of administration; males were more likely than females. Clients were more likely to report injection use with increasing age. Current heroin use and residence in an urban area were also related to injection status. In conclusion, California is home to a large number of methamphetamine users, a significant portion of whom inject. Data on this population are limited; needle sharing, cleaning of injection equipment, and sexual risk behaviors among this population should be closely studied. Treatment programs targeting methamphetamine users should include comprehensive HIV prevention components.

Keywords: Injection drug use; methamphetamine; California

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Drug Abuse Research Center, Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California. abfab@ucla.edu 2: Drug Abuse Research Center, Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California

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