Risk behavior among people who inject drugs

Abstract

Abstract Background Addiction to illicit drugs is considered as medical condition requiring effective measures to prevent the disease and minimize harms of this addiction. Injecting drug use increases the risk for acquiring blood-borne infections among people who inject drugs (PWID). The aim of the study was to assess the risk behavior related to the use of intravenous narcotic and psychotropic substances among PWID in Lithuania. Methods A cross sectional survey using respondent driven sampling (RDS) of active intravenous drug users (n = 369) in Lithuania has been conducted in 2018-2019. RDS is a peer-referral sampling methodology applied to estimate characteristics of underserved populations that cannot be sampled randomly. 8 seeds were selected in 5 different sites across the country to recruit the study subjects. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were conducted. Results Data collection was completed using 4 waves. Each seed yielded 3 to 24 eligible recruits. 80% of the sample were males, 20% - females. Age mean is 36.8 years, SD-7.69. The age of debut injecting drugs was 13 years, average age 20 years, SD 4.8. Average injecting duration was 12 years. 76% were incarcerated during their lifetime. 59% of PWID reported injecting heroin, 39% phentanyl, 13% amphetamines. 79% reported using sterile needles and syringes while injecting the last time and 21% were not. 17% were sharing non sterile injecting equipment during the last 30 days. Conclusions Younger age when started injecting drugs, duration of injecting drugs and imprisonment increased the risk of using unsterile needles and syringes and sharing injecting equipment. Main messages Behavioural risk factors are related to higher risks of drug use related infectious diseases. Targeted psychosocial interventions are needed to prevent the behavioural risks of injecting drug use.