Needle-sharing behavior among intravenous heroin users: prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of needle-sharing behavior among intravenous drug users (IDUs). Methods Data regarding socio-demographics, drug abuse characteristics and HIV-related health literacy of 474 heroin IDUs were collected. Antisocial personality disorder of IDUs was diagnosed through Mini international neuropsychiatric interview. Results The prevalence of needle sharing among IDUs was 53.8%. Needle-sharing behavior of IDUs was significantly associated with male gender, marital status of being single and separated/divorced, local dwelling, an early age of first drug abuse and antisocial personality disorder (OR=1.11~6.69, P<0.05). Conclusion Heroin IDUs have high prevalence of needle sharing. A comprehensive social, behavior and psychology based intervention is needed to effectively prevent HIV infection in IDUs. Key words: Intravenous drug use; Needle sharing; Antisocial personality disorder; Acquired immune deficiency syndrome