| Background: Club drugs are now quickly replacing heroin and opium to become the most widespread illicit drugs used in China. The primary aim of the present study was to understand the reasons for and patterns of club drug use (i.e., new kinds of drugs use), and identify the factors which predict HIV risk sexual practices among club drug users and also the factors associated with perceived need for drug abuse treatment.;Methods: In 2011, 19 club drug users completed qualitative in-depth interviews to get familiarize with the study population; then, a total of 276 participants were recruited into the cross-sectional survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Shanghai, China, and completed a paper/pencil anonymous survey.;Results: Most were introduced into first club drugs by friends, spouse or boy/girlfriend. The three most common reasons for initiating use were curiosity, peer influence, and wishing to dull one's emotions. Methamphetamine was the most commonly used club drug, followed by ecstasy, ketamine, and marijuana. Having had multiple sex partners (i.e., two or more) in the past 30 days was significantly positively associated with being 35 years or older, male, being a sole business owner or working in a service industry, living with friend or others (vs. live with spouse or girl/boyfriend), being introduced to club drug use by non-regular sex partners, use of methamphetamine in the past 30 days, self-identifying as gay/lesbian or bisexual, experiencing sexual debut before 20 years old, and having sex under the influence of drugs in the past 3 months. Participants who having less than senior higher school education, having sex with others to obtain drugs, and with lower level of HIV/AIDS knowledge were significantly more likely to report having unprotected sex with non-regular partners in the past 30 days. Only 30% of participants reported having been tested for HIV, four self-reported they were HIV-positive. Users living with spouse or boy/girlfriend were significantly less likely to feel the need for treatment. Users who had had prior drug treatment and more severe club drug dependence were significantly more likely to perceive a need for treatment.;Conclusion: Educational campaigns and other prevention materials regarding the negative effects of club drugs need to be enhanced in China. Low levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the low proportion being tested for HIV indicate a need for increasing awareness in this population. Programs to induce drug users' awareness of their drug abuse problems, their need for treatment and treatment effectives for club drug use disorders are urgently needed. The drug treatment services for club drug users should be implemented and should target young Chinese. |
