Infectious diseases and anemia in a sample of out-of-treatment drug users

Abstract

Objective: To understand how the prevalence of anemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis in a sample of out-of-treatment drug users affected delivery of care in a managed care model.

Study design: A snowball sampling design with multiple zero order contacts was used in targeted census tracts with a high incidence of illicit drug use and sexually transmitted diseases.

Patients and methods: Out-of-treatment drug users were recruited as part of a national multisite study of HIV risk behaviors in this population. Subjects were recruited using targeted community-based sampling.

Results: The rate of individuals who tested positive for both syphilis and HIV was 2.5 times greater than those who tested positive for syphilis only and 2.8 times greater than those who tested positive for HIV only. Of the men, 16.1% were anemic, and 33.3% of women were anemic. Rates of HIV (10.7%) and syphilis (19.8%) were found to be high among both male and female drug users. These statistics, coupled with the prevalence of anemia, indicate that drug users have many more problems other than drug use, a conclusion which can have an impact on how managed care plans approach drug users.

Conclusion: A multipronged interdisciplinary approach may be warranted for both the patient and the managed care organization.