1. Risk Behaviours and Healthcare Needs of Homeless Drug Users in Saint Lucia and Trinidad.
- Author
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Day, Marcus, Devieux, Jessy G., Reid, Sandra D., Jones, Dionne J., Meharris, Joseph, and Malow, Robert M.
- Subjects
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AIDS , *HEALTH of homeless people , *COCAINE abuse , *RISK-taking behavior - Abstract
In the Caribbean AIDS has become the leading cause of death among those aged 15-45. The homeless are at high risk due to the nexus of mobility, psychiatric disorders and substance use, particularly crack. Seventy-four homeless, out-of-treatment drug users were recruited in Saint Lucia and Trinidad to assess risk behaviour and healthcare needs. Information was collected in several domains: medical, mental health, substance use, sexual risk, and barriers to care. Ninety-five percent of the sample reported crack cocaine use within the previous 30 days. Approximately 35% of the sample had ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease and 25% of the sample reported being HIV+. Approximately 40% had a history of trading sex for crack or money. Due to the range of needs in this population, interventions should be multimodal. A focus on the individual, community, and structural levels is warranted to improve chances of program effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004