Effects of HIV Testing and Counseling on Reducing HIV Risk Behavior Among Two Ethnic Groups

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Abstract
This study evaluates the protective effect on risk behaviors of an HIV testing and counseling program among two groups of drug abusers: African Americans in the U.S. (981) and Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. (144). Among African Americans, injection risk behaviors at follow-up were independent of the type of HIV test result received. In the case of Puerto Ricans, those receiving a seropositive result were more likely to report shared use of cookers. Among seropositive African Americans and Puerto Ricans a significant risk reduction occurred in sexual risk behavior. Seropositives were less likely to persist in practicing unprotected vaginal sex. Seropositive African Americans were also less likely to persist in practicing unprotected oral sex. Future analyses will need to identify the circumstances under which seropositive individuals continue or discontinue harm behaviors.