HIV prevalence and risk behaviour in injecting drug users in Berlin

In injecting drug users (IDU) newly entering drug treatment centres in Berlin, HIV seroprevalence continuously decreased from 1985 through 1992. A recent cross-sectional study with multi-site sampling (n = 472) showed significantly differing HIV prevalences by site of recruitment (treatment centres 6%, storefront units 20%, infectious disease clinic 56%). In multivariate analysis, the borrowing of syringes in prison was the strongest independent predictor of HIV infection. A majority of the IDU have reduced risks of infection. However, current risk behaviour is common. Of all IDU, 48% reported the borrowing of syringes within the previous 6 months, only 13% had consequently used condoms. Current borrowing of syringes was associated with younger age, shorter history of intravenous drug use, negative HIV serostatus, and non-participation in methadone maintenance programmes. Continued preventive efforts against HIV transmission among IDU are needed.