Crack smoking is a risk factor for HIV infection

A study reported in the Canadian Medical Association’s Journal in 2009 finds that crack smoking is a factor in HIV transmission among people who use injection drugs. The study looked at data from 1996 to 2005 among some 1048 injection drug users in Vancouver who also reported smoking crack cocaine.

This is how the study’s authors summarized its findings:

Smoking of crack cocaine was found to be an independent risk factor for HIV seroconversion among people who were injection drug users. This finding points to the urgent need for evidence-based public health initiatives targeted at people who smoke crack cocaine.

Download the study entitled “Smoking of crack cocaine as a risk factor for HIV infection among people who use injection drugs” Download PDF.