Use of HIV health care in HIV-seropositive crack cocaine smokers and other active drug users

Abstract

PurposeWe assessed the use of HIV care among HIV-seropositive crack cocaine smokers and other active drug users in Miami-Dade County, FL. Methods Personal interviews were conducted with 327 adults recruited from inner city neighborhoods. Cross-tabulations and logistic modeling were used to analyze the relationship between selected variables and use of HIV care. Results One-third of respondents had not seen a provider for HIV-related health care in the past 12 months. Among those who had seen a provider, only 33.8% were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Factors associated with utilization of HIV-related health care were age, race, having a usual source of care, health insurance, time elapsed since time of diagnosis, and reports of moderate to extreme interference of pain with daily activities. Implications These findings suggest the need to develop, implement, and evaluate intervention strategies to improve use of HIV medical care among active drug users.