Drug users are at high risk for disease due to injection and sex behaviors. Longitudinal research with drug users can help researchers understand reasons for continued high-risk behaviors among this vulnerable population. Data are from a follow-up study conducted from 1999 to 2003, which attempted to relocate clients who were initially recruited through street outreach in Denver, Colorado from 1990 to 1995. A total of 773 subjects were located (82% relocation rate), 578 of whom were interviewed at follow-up. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvement in most high-risk injection and sex behaviors. However, over half the sample reported having sex without a condom at follow-up. Further analysis revealed that having sex without a condom at baseline, not having previously participated in drug treatment, being of an ethnicity other than African American, smoking crack, and having sex with a drug injector were all significantly related to having sex without a condom at follow-up. These findings are discussed with regards to developing interventions in order to increase condom use in this high risk population.
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