Survey on Drug Use Among People Living with HIV in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of drug use and the drug use behavior among people living with HIV in Hong Kong. In this cross-sectional survey, subjects were recruited by convenience sampling from the out-patient clinic of a HIV treatment center. A total of 500 subjects completed the questionnaire between January and May 2017. About one third (31.4%, n = 157) participants reported drug use behavior. Common substances used included methamphetamine (65%), rush poppers (59.2%), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (56.7%), ketamine (49%), ecstasy (45.9%), cannabis (34.4%), cocaine (18.5%), cough medicine (15.3%), and heroin (7%). Polydrug use was common (51%). Younger age, men who have sex with men, history of sexually transmitted infections, and smoking were independently associated with drug use. About 34.4% drug users had co-existing mental illnesses. Most drug users (91.1%) had never received any form of drug treatment services. Linking HIV-infected drug users to drug addiction treatment services is needed.