Abstract | OBJECTIVES: We used cluster analysis to subdivide a population of injection drug users and identify previously unknown behavioral heterogeneity within that population. METHODS: We applied cluster analysis techniques to data collected in a cross-sectional survey of injection drug users in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The clustering variables we used were based on receptive syringe sharing, ethnicity, and types of drugs injected. RESULTS: Seven clusters were identified for both male and female injection drug users. Some relationships previously revealed in our study setting, such as the known relationship between Talwin ( pentazocine) and Ritalin ( methylphenidate) use, injection in hotels, and hepatitis C virus prevalence, were confirmed through our cluster analysis approach. Also, relationships between drug use and infection risk not previously observed in our study setting were identified, an example being a cluster of female crystal methamphetamine users who exhibited high-risk behaviors but an absence or low prevalence of blood-borne pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Cluster analysis was useful in both confirming relationships previously identified and identifying new ones relevant to public health research and interventions.
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Authors | Souradet Y Shaw, Lena Shah, Ann M Jolly, John L Wylie |
Journal | American journal of public health
(Am J Public Health)
Vol. 98
Issue 8
Pg. 1430-7
(Aug 2008)
ISSN: 1541-0048 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 18556614
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Analgesics, Opioid
- Central Nervous System Stimulants
- Methylphenidate
- Methamphetamine
- Pentazocine
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Analgesics, Opioid
- Central Nervous System Stimulants
- Cluster Analysis
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Female
- Health Behavior
(ethnology)
- Hepatitis C
(epidemiology, transmission)
- Humans
- Interviews as Topic
- Male
- Manitoba
(epidemiology)
- Methamphetamine
- Methylphenidate
- Middle Aged
- Needle Sharing
- Pentazocine
- Prevalence
- Risk-Taking
- Sex Distribution
- Substance Abuse, Intravenous
(epidemiology, virology)
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