Risk for HIV Infection and Use of Cocaine Among Indigent African-American Men    

Seth C. Kalichman, PhD;  Lisa Belcher, MA;  Charsey Cherry, BA;  Ernestine A. Williams;  Christopher T. Allers, MA 

Objective: To examine the association of cocaine use and risk for HIV infection among homeless men. Methods: 349 homeless men completed anonymous surveys in a community setting.Results: Men who recently used cocaine (65%) reported significantly more unprotected sex, more sex partners, and less condom use than men who did not use cocaine. Controlling for other risk factors, men who used cocaine were three to four times more likely to exchange money or drugs for sex.Conclusion: Many homeless men are at risk for HIV infection, and cocaine use serves as a marker for increased risk.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(2):141-150