Interface between drug use and sex work in Manipur

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Drug use in India is predominantly viewed as a male issue.
• This study examines drug use, sex work, and infection prevalence among women in Manipur.
• Addresses HIV, hepatitis B, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interface between drug use and sex work among women drug users in Manipur.
• To determine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and STIs in this demographic.
• To inform public health interventions for a vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey conducted in Manipur between April and October 1997.
• Included 69 women drug users, with 38 identified as injecting drug users.
• Data collected via semi-structured questionnaires and clinical examinations for STIs; blood tests for HIV and hepatitis B.

Main Results:

• HIV prevalence was 57% in injecting drug users versus 20% in non-injecting drug users (p=0.001).
• Hepatitis B prevalence was similar (48% vs. 56%).
• 80% reported sex with non-regular partners, two-thirds for money/drugs; 81% had abnormal vaginal discharge, indicating high STI rates.

Conclusions:

• Environmental interventions addressing civil unrest and migration are vital for HIV containment.
• A high prevalence of HIV and STIs necessitates targeted interventions for women drug users.
• Innovative outreach strategies are needed for street-based women injecting and non-injecting drug users involved in sex work.