HIV-Risk Behaviors Among Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents With and Without Comorbid SUD

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine HIV-risk behaviors among a sample of psychiatric inpatient adolescents with and without comorbid SUD. METHOD: 239 adolescents (60.7% female; mean age=15.3) were interviewed while hospitalized in a psychiatric inpatient treatment facility. Adolescents with and without substance use disorder (SUD) were compared on a number of HIV-risk behaviors and the association between HIV-risk behaviors and other types of mental health problems were examined. RESULTS: Compared to those without SUD, adolescents with SUD, after controlling for age, gender, and other psychiatric disorders, were at an increased risk for being currently sexually active (AOR=2.01, CI=1.00-4.04, p<.05) and for having used alcohol or drugs prior to last sexual intercourse (AOR=5.48, CI=1.91-15.72, p<.01). HIV-risk behaviors were more evident among adolescents with externalizing disorders and those with higher levels of self-reported distress. CONCULSION: Adolescents in psychiatric settings, especially those with substance use disorders and/or externalizing problems, are an important population for whom prevention efforts are needed to reduce the risk of HIV infection.