The Alive Study: A Longitudinal Study of HIV-1 Infection in Intravenous Drug Users: Description of Methods

Abstract

To identify risk factors for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and for progression to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among intravenous drug users, we established a cohort in Baltimore Maryland in 1988–1989. Intravenous drug users were recruited by extensive community outreach to undergo interview and confidential HIV testing in a special study site. During 13 months of recruitment, 2,921 intravenous drug users were enrolled of whome 24 percent were HIV seropositive; 90 percent returned to receive test results. Methodological issues for enhancing recruitment and retention of drug users are discussed.