FACTORS INFLUENCING HIV/AIDS PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMONG INJECTING DRUG USERS IN MAKASSAR CITY

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a serious infection that attacks the body's immune system, and its means of transmission include the use of injecting drugs. Effective preventive measures are crucial for reducing the prevalence of HIV in society. Therefore, this study aims to determine the factors influencing HIV/AIDS preventive measures among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Makassar City. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and 124 IDUs were enrolled as participants through an accidental sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed with chi-square bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. The results showed knowledge (p-value = 0.005), attitude (p-value = 0.013), peer influence (p-value = 0.004), support from health workers and NGOs (p-value = 0.029), availability of sterile injecting equipment services (p-value = 0.029), and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services were significantly correlated with the preventive measures among IDUs in Makassar city (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, VCT services were found to be the most influential factor in HIV/AIDS preventive measures (OR = 6.369; 95%CI = 2.181-18.597; p-value = 0.001). In conclusion, knowledge, attitudes, peer influence, support from health workers and NGOs, the availability of sterile injecting equipment services, and VCT services have a relationship with HIV/AIDS preventive measures among IDUs. Participants who engaged in VCT are advised to disseminate information about HIV and the associated services to their partners and communities.