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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Elizabeth Nauman, BA, Dept. of International Health and Development, Tulane University, 1440 Canal St, Suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-988-6157, xochi712@aol.com, Kim Longfield, PhD, Asia Regional, Population Services International, Wave Place 18th floor, 55 Wireless Road , Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand, and Trinh Thu Hang, MPH, Vietnam, Population Services International, Giang Vo Lake View Building, Suite 903, D10 Giang Vo, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Objectives: This study investigates the determinants of needle sharing and condom use among male injecting drug users (IDUs) in Mong Cai and Uong Bi towns and Thai Nguyen City in Northern Vietnam. Data and Methods: Data was collected through a tracking survey conducted in November 2005 among IDUs recruited through respondent driven sampling (RDS). Logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of needle sharing and condom use. Results were presented as adjusted proportions/means. Results: 20.7% of IDUs shared needles in the last 3 months. Predictors of needle sharing include: social norms (p<.05); lower self efficacy to avoid sharing (p<.001); intent to share in an emergency (p<.001); splitting drugs (p<.01); injecting substances other than heroin (p<.05); sharing solution for mixing drugs (p<.01); and witnessing other sharers (p<.001). 56.6% of IDUs used a condom at last sex with a regular partner. Predictors of condom use include: availability (p<.01), perceived susceptibility to HIV (p<.05), and attitudes that support condom use with regular partners (p<.001). Conclusions: Findings indicate that needle sharing is encouraged by IDUs' social networks and is related to other behaviors that carry a risk for HIV transmission – splitting drugs and sharing solution. Considering the high HIV prevalence among IDUs in Vietnam, there is insufficient condom use with regular partners. Easy access and positive attitudes about the necessity and appropriateness of using condoms increase the likelihood of use. Findings are applicable to the development of messages and activities that aim to reduce risk behaviors and HIV transmission among IDUs.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
• • identify levels of risk behaviors for HIV transmission among IDUs in Vietnam, and
• • recognize factors associated with needle sharing and condom use among IDUs in Vietnam.

Keywords: Injecting Drug Use, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered