PSI's targeted communication campaign associated with trends toward safer behavior among IDUs in Northern Vietnam

Objectives: This study investigates trends in new needle use, condom use, and HIV testing among male injecting drug users (IDUs) in Mong Cai and Uong Bi towns and Thai Nguyen City in Northern Vietnam. The association between changes in behavior and exposure to a peer education and outreach strategy is also assessed. Data and Methods: Quantitative surveys were conducted in November 2005 and August 2006 among IDUs recruited through respondent driven sampling (RDS). Logistic regression identified significant predictors of needle sharing, condom use, and HIV testing. UNIANOVAs were used to monitor changes in key indicators over time and compare exposure groups while controlling for demographic characteristics (2005, N=417; 2006, N=398). Results: Needle sharing decreased from 20.6% to 10.1% (p<.001), and consistent new needle use increased from 50.5% to 65.7% (p<.001). In both rounds, needle sharing was significantly related to other unsafe injecting behaviors, such as sharing solution for mixing drugs. Condom use with regular partners increased from 27.0% to 53.0% (p<.001) and was significantly associated with frequent contact with peer educators. Approximately half of IDUs had ever been tested for HIV: this proportion did not change significantly over time. However, knowledge of a place offering HIV testing and counseling services was significantly associated with exposure to the peer education program. Conclusions: Findings indicate that risk behaviors for HIV transmission among IDUs decreased over time. Interaction with peer educators is likely to have influenced some behavior change among IDUs. Findings are used to improve messages and activities for reducing risk behaviors among IDUs.