AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in injection drug users attending a Toronto treatment facility

Ninety injection drug users (61 males, 29 females) attending the Addiction Research Foundation Clinical Institute completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire about their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Sixty-two percent had used drugs for more than five years; 61% used primarily heroin, 20% cocaine. Needle sharing was common: 76% within 5 years, 37% within the preceding month, although 87% named needle sharing as a risk factor for HIV infection. Current needle sharers could not be distinguished from former sharers on selected demographic, attitudinal or knowledge variables. Twenty percent of respondents had been HIV tested (all negative); 88% reported willingness to be tested. Thirteen percent would consider suicide or resume heavy drug use in response to a positive test; 19% were uncertain about their response. There may be a risk of serious harm to IDUs who are tested in the absence of excellent counselling and support services.