Table 1.

Variables used in the multinomial logistic regression model

Risky Sexual Behavior (RSB): A four-category variable created by combining two separate variables related to RSB – any unprotected anal intercourse, and any risky partner (defined as having multiple, casual, or HIV-positive or HIV-unknown partners) in the past 6 months.

Depression: A three-category variable created by categorizing the additive depression scale scores (DSS) through a quartile split (the two middle quartiles combined).

Drug Use: A binary variable comparing those who reported illicit drug use in the past 30 days or had any positive urine or oral illicit drug test to those with no drug use and no positive drug test (see Mackesy-Amiti et al., 2008 for more details on drug test procedure). The self-reported drug use measure inquired about use of marijuana, cocaine (powder or crack), heroin, hallucinogens (PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens), inhalants, methamphetamine, prescription stimulants, tranquilizers, sedatives, and pain relievers, and “club drugs” (ecstasy/MDMA, ketamine, Rohypnol, GHB).. The urine and saliva drug test measure asssesed whether respondents tested positive for amphetamine/methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, heroin/opiates, and MDMA (ecstasy).

Alcohol Use: A binary variable comparing those who reported no or only one binge-drinking (5 or more drinks on the same occasion) episode in the past 30 days to those reporting multiple binge-drinking episodes.

HIV Status: A binary variable comparing respondents with HIV-negative or unknown status to those who are HIV-positive.

Race: A binary variable comparing whites to others (including African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and those who considered themselves bi-racial) Age: A continuous variable.