MMWR: HIV Infection and Risk, Prevention, and Testing Behaviors Among Injecting Drug Users – National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, 20 U.S. Cities, 2009

This report summarizes results from the second National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) data collection cycle among injecting drug users (IDUs) – NHBS-IDU2– which was conducted during June–December 2009. The report provides unweighted data that can be used to describe the prevalence of HIV infection among IDUs and the percentage of IDUs reporting specific risk behaviors, HIV testing, and participation in prevention programs. The large percentage of participants in this study who reported engaging in both unprotected sex and receptive sharing of syringes supports the need for HIV prevention programs to address both injection and sex-related risk behaviors among IDUs. Only a small percentage had recently participated in an alcohol or a drug treatment program or in a behavioral intervention, suggesting an unmet need for drug treatment and HIV prevention services. In addition, many participants had not been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B as recommended by CDC. Monitoring these NHBS data are useful for assessing risk behaviors over time and for identifying HIV prevention opportunities in this population.