[Evaluation on peer education program among injecting drug users]

To reduce risk behaviors which promotes human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) transmission among drug users.

A peer education program was implemented among drug users in drug detoxification centers in Kunming from May 1998 to June 2000. Before and after intervention, through random sampling, subjects were recruited to assess the impact of the program. Focus group discussion and a small sample of follow-up in communities were used for evaluation.

Three hundred and six and 418 subjects were interviewed before and after the intervention program. Rates regarding "sharing needles" had a reduction from 68.3% to 62.0% (chi 2 = 2.61, P < 0.01, while "never cleaning a needle" increased from 3.3% to 15.8% (chi 2 = 19.41, P < 0.01), and "used needles disposal to garbage bin" increased from 58.4% to 81.8% (chi 2 = 40.23, P < 0.01). Thirty-four drug users were followed in their communities and 67.6% were no longer sharing needles but none reported using a condom when having casual sex.

Peer education program among drug users in detoxification centers had limited impact. In order to control the epidemic of AIDS in drug using population, more effective strategies need to be explored.