Towards an HIV Role Theory: Drug-related Peer Beliefs and Role Strain Indicators as Predictors of Injection Risk Behaviors among Puerto Rican Injection Drug Users in New York and Puerto Rico

In: Journal of drug issues: JDI, Band 33, Heft 4, S. 963-982

Abstract

This study assesses whether injection risk behaviors (e.g., syringe sharing and sharing injection paraphernalia) can be understood using a model that highlights drug related peer beliefs and role strain/deprivation. Data were collected on 561 Puerto Rican injection drug users in New York and 313 in Puerto Rico. A drug peer beliefs scale and three indicators of role strain were used with other control variables in a hierarchical multiple logistic regression model. Both aspects of the model were significant predictors of HIV risk behaviors in New York, but only role strain was a significant predictor for injection drug users (IDUs) in Puerto Rico. Individual-based paradigms should incorporate peer beliefs and role strain/deprivation in order to reduce HIV risk behaviors.