Aids Education and Prevention, 2001

This paper examines the characteristics of 8,251 participants in 10 service demonstration projects targeted to youth living with, or at risk for HIV. Factors predicting risk behaviors and HIV status were identified. Second, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified dimensions underlying HIV risk behaviors. A gender-specific three-factor model was tested, reflecting samegender vs. opposite-gender sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and risky sex. The results permit an estimation of HIV risk from basic information available when youth present for care in community programs.

Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (Chicago, Ill. : 2002)

To examine health risk behaviors in distressed youth living with HIV (YLH) with problem substance use. Assessed distress, antiretroviral (ARV) adherence, and unprotected sex in a racially and geographically diverse sample of 122 YLH. A total of 87% of distressed YLH reported significantly more past-month ARV nonadherence (odds ratio [OR] = 7.15) and were more likely to have unprotected sex under the influence (OR = 5.14) than nondistressed youth. Distressed YLH with problem substance use may benefit from interventions to improve adherence and to decrease sexual risk, especially while under the influence of drugs.

Drug and alcohol dependence, 2016

The purpose of this study was to better understand the prevalence and correlates of substance use behaviors among HIV-infected adolescents in HIV care settings. A cross-sectional sample of 2216 youth living with HIV (YLWH; ages 12-26) were recruited through the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV Interventions. Participants completed a one-time survey on sociodemographic factors, substance use and health behaviors. We used logistic regression models to understand the correlates of substance use outcomes. Overall, weekly or more frequent tobacco use was reported by 32.9% of participants, 27.5% marijuana use, and 21.3% alcohol use; and 22.5% reported any other illicit drug use. In multivariable models, young MSM had higher odds of reporting each substance use behavior, and transgender women had increased odds of marijuana and other illicit drug use. Criminal justice involvement, unstable housing, condomless sex, and suboptimal antiretroviral therapy was associated with increased risk of...

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2005

Risk behaviors were compared between sexually abused and nonabused youth living with HIV (YLH). Abused YLH were significantly more likely to have attempted suicide , to have been admitted into an alcohol and/or drug treatment program, and to have engaged in crack cocaine use than were nonabused YLH and had a greater number of sexual partners. A significantly higher proportion of abused YLH had been incarcerated in contrast to nonabused youth. There were also significantly greater conduct problems among abused YLH. Finally, abused YLH had significantly higher scores on positive action and social-support coping styles than nonabused youth. Consistent with previous research, abused youth are at higher risk for a variety of negative outcomes and are also similar in many respects to sexually abused youth who are not HIV-positive. The high frequencies of two positive styles of coping among abused YLH were also observed.

Abstract ,As part of a clinic-based comprehensive healthcare program for young people living with, and at risk for, HIV infection, transgender-specific services were developed. The present

Aids Care-psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of Aids/hiv, 2010

The purpose of the study was to test relationships between psychosocial factors and alcohol and illicit drug use among high-risk youth living with HIV (YLH). One hundred eighty-six high-risk youth with HIV (defined as those with a substance use problem, sexual risk problem, or medication adherence problem) were enrolled across five cities (ages 16–24).Alcohol and illicit drug use were measured

Journal of Adolescent Health, 2010

Purpose-To describe multiple risk behaviors (substance use, sexual risk, and medication adherence) in a multi-site sample of youth living with HIV (YLH) in five US cites. Methods-Youth (N=352) were recruited from four Adolescent Trials Network (ATN) sites (Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, and Los Angeles) and one non-ATN site in Detroit and screened for multiple problem behaviors for an intervention study. A substance abuse problem was determined with the CRAFFT, a 6-item adolescent screener. Single items were used to screen for current sexual risk and for an HIV medication adherence problem. Two hundred and thirty nine (68%) has at least one of the three risk behavior problems based on the screener. One-hundred and eighty six (52.8 %) completed longer, in-depth questionnaires for each problem behavior. Results-Of the 352 youth screened, 60% had problem level substance use and 42% had a sexual risk problem. Ninety-one (55%) of the 165 (47%) who were prescribed medications reported an adherence problem. One-hundred twelve (32%) reported no problem behavior, 123 (35%) reported 1 problem behavior, 95 (27%) reported 2 problem behaviors, and 20 (6%) reported 3 problem behaviors. Males were more likely to have a substance use problem. Younger YLH and those perinatally infected were more likely to have an adherence problem. Among the 186 (52.8%) completing longer measures, those with a substance abuse problem had higher substance use on a timeline follow-back procedure than those without. Those who screened positive for a sexual risk problem reported more unprotected sex on an in-depth interview than those without. Those who screened positive for an adherence problem had higher viral loads than those without an adherence problem.

Pediatrics, 2014

AIDS and Behavior, 1997

The level and consistency of HIV-related sexual and substance-use risk acts, health status, and medical adherence were examined among 102 HIV+ youths aged 14 to 23 years (27% African American, 33% Latino). Over their lifetime, youths engaged in unprotected sexual acts with multiple partners (M = 284; Median = 44; consistent condom protection, 5%) and substance use (21% injecting drug use; 68% hard drugs). When current risk behaviors were assessed twice over two consecutive 3-month periods, almost one third had been sexually abstinent. Among youths who were currently sexually active, most had multiple sexual partners (M = 5.7, Time 1; 4.9, Time 2) and used condoms (72-77% sexual acts protected); most of the youths (63-64%) always used condoms. Use of alcohol (63%), marijuana (41%), hard drugs (36%), and injecting drugs (12%) was substantial. Youths were relatively healthy (M T cells = 521.4; 14% T cells < 200; 1.9 diseases and 3.7 physical symptoms in the previous 3 months); they attended about one third of their medical appointments. While all youths were linked to adolescent HIV programs, unhealthy behavior and risk acts remained common. More effective and intensive intervention appears required.

Aids Patient Care and Stds, 1997