Primary medical care and reductions in HIV risk behaviors in adults with addictions.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors are prevalent in persons with addictions. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether exposure to primary medical care is associated with decreases in HIV risk behaviors. DESIGN: Prospective 2-year cohort of 298 adults with addictions. OUTCOMES: Sex and drug-related HIV risk behaviors, measured by the Risk Assessment Battery. PREDICTORS: Cumulative number of primary care visits (0, 1, > or = 2). Associations were tested using regression models for correlated data. RESULTS: In women, receipt of primary care was associated with less sex risk behavior (mean decrease 2.1, p < or = 0.1). Among women and men, > or = 2 primary care visits was associated with lower odds of any drug risk behavior (OR = 0.37, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to primary care can impact HIV risk behavior favorably among adults with addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]