HIV-related communication and perceived norms: an analysis of the connection among injection drug users.

Although research has consistently shown a link between perceived norms and HIV risk behaviors, research examining interpersonal variables that may contribute to perceived norms is sparse. Verbal communication is an important mechanism for establishing, altering, and maintaining norms. In this study we assess the association between HIV-related communication and perceived norms. Baseline data from 684 drug injectors enrolled in the STEP into Action (STEP) study were analyzed. Multivariate results revealed that injection drug users (IDUs) who talked to their drug partners about HIV were less likely to perceive that they engaged in risky injection behavior (beta = -1.53, SE = 0.29, p < .001). Also, exchanging sex for money or drugs (beta = 15.83, SE = 7.02, p = .024), going to a shooting gallery (beta = 17.03, SE = 6.79, p = .013), and having an IDU sex partner (beta = 15.34, SE = 6.58, p = .020) were associated with belief that peers' practiced risky drug behaviors. These findings may be used to develop peer education HIV prevention interventions for drug users.