Background: Among U.S. injection drug users (IDUs), Latinos account for 21% of new HIV/AIDS cases. Acculturation, coupled with depressive symptoms, has been found to impact risky behaviors increasing susceptibility to diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B/C. This study explores the impact of depressive symptoms and acculturation on injection drug use among Latino IDUs in South Florida.

Methods: The parent study examined the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B & C virus infections, and associated risk factors among Hispanic IDUs in Miami-Dade County, Florida over five years (2005–2010). Participants of this study (n=210) were compared on frequency of IDU, acculturation to U.S. culture, and years living in the U.S. across four Beck Depression Inventory classifications (minimal, mild, moderate, and severe depression).

Results: On average, participants were 35.86 years old, living in South Florida for 8.73 years. Over half had completed at least high school, but 82.4% of subjects were unemployed. Over 98% had used heroin intravenously at some point in their lives, and 88.3% had used within the past day. More than 80% expressed symptoms of moderate or severe depression. Those expressing mild depression injected fewer times in the past three months than those expressing moderate or severe depression. Participants who expressed severe depression were also newer to the U.S. and less acculturated to American culture.

Conclusion: For some Latinos, U.S. acculturation may be a protective factor against depression. Early immigration may be a critical time for intervention to prevent depression and risky IV drug use among Latinos.