Predictors of current housing status among HIV-seropositive injection drug users (IDUs): Results from a 1-year study

Using longitudinal data collected from 821 HIV-seropositive injection drug users (IDUs) who participated in a multi-site behavioral intervention study, we identified predictors of current housing status at baseline and 12-month follow-up time points. The study was conducted in Baltimore, Miami, New York, and San Francisco from 2001 to 2005. Logistic regression, incorporating the general estimating equations (GEE) method was performed. Multivariate analysis found that Miami participants (OR = 0.56) were less likely to report having current housing (P < 0.05). Among the potential barriers to housing, lower income (OR = 0.68), injection cocaine/crack use (OR = 0.66) and recent incarceration (OR = 0.10) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among the potential facilitators of housing, case management (OR = 1.38), outpatient drug treatment attendance (OR = 1.74), and social support (OR = 1.39) were significant. The association between social support and housing was stronger among those who had been recently incarcerated. Additional research is needed to identify types of support and resources beyond what is currently provided in order to better serve housing needs of HIV-seropositive IDUs.