Factors associated with cocaine use in users of injectable heroin, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. People who use heroin and cocaine have more sexual activity, risk behaviors associated with injection and inconsistent condom use, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and the presence of HIV.

Objective. To identify socio-demographic factors, sexual behavior and injection heroin risk in users, according to additional consumption of cocaine in five cities in Colombia.

Method.1017 injecting drug users over 18 years were surveyed; by sampling generated by the respondent, reasons of raw prevalence (OR) were calculated and adjusted through logistic regression, with their respective according to cocaine consumption.

Results. 60% of injected heroin users also used cocaine; this population were largely male, unmarried, under 25 years, belonging to low socioeconomic status and involved in dealing drugs. Risk behaviors in the last injection of the drug were higher in those who also used cocaine. Condom use at last intercourse was lower and a higher prevalence of HIV was observed in cocaine users.

Discussion and conclusion. It was determined that injecting drug users who use cocaine are faced with a high probability of HIV and less condom use, as well as greater sexual risk behavior and related to injection. Attention is required with preventive and social measures to reduce the use of psychoactive drugs, polydrug use and the consequences of these drugs in Colombia.