Survey Of Prevalence And Risk Factors For HIV And HCV Among Drug Users In Xichang County Of Sichuan Province

Objectives:(l) To investigate the drug initiation and risk factors among drug users in Xichang County, Sichuan Province;(2) To investigate the high risk sexual behaviors among male drug users;(3) To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for HBsAg, HCV and HIV infection among drug users.Methods:(l) From May to July 2004, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate drug users in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, drug use behavior and sexual behavior by use of an interviewer-administrated questionnaire. A total of 1070 participants were recruited, among which 451 were from community and 619 were from drug rehabilitation centers and detention centers in Xichang County. Blood samples were collected and tested for HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis infection. (2)Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, Cox proportional hazard regression model, Chi-square tests, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression model. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals and statistical significance was defined as a p-values<0.05.Results:(l) The average incidence of drug initiation was 4.08/100 person years (95%CI, 3.76-4.40). Those smoking before 15 years old or having more friends who used drugs were likely to initiate drug use earlier.The incidence of drug initiation had dose-effecting relations with number of friends who used drugs.(2) Study participants with a longer drug use history had less sex frequency with their regular sex partners. The more frequent the participants injected drugs recently, the more likely they had sex with irregular sex partners.(3) The prevalence of HBsAg was 12.6% (78/619) . Yi Population and more friends sharing injection equipment were associated with HBsAg prevalence.(4) The prevalence of HCV was 55.9% (346/619) . Intravenous drug use and sharing injectionequipment were associated with HCV prevalence.(5) The prevalence of HIV was 8.6% (53/619) . Yi Population and more friends sharing injection equipment were associated with HIV prevalence. More friends sharing injection equipment was independent risk factors for HIV infection.Conclusion: The prevalence rate of AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C among drug users still increases in recent years. Effective methods of education and intervention are urgently needed for this population.