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HIV risk behaviour in Irish intravenous drug users
A Dorman1, E Keenan, C Schuttler
1Drug Treatment Centre Board, Dublin.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|December 12, 1997
Summary
This study measured HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among Irish intravenous drug users (IDUs). Results indicate a high prevalence of risky injecting and sexual behaviors, highlighting potential for HIV transmission within this population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intravenous drug use (IDU) is a significant risk factor for HIV transmission.
- Understanding HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine HIV prevalence among Irish intravenous drug users.
- To assess HIV risk behaviors, including injecting and sexual practices, within this population.
Main Methods:
- A standardized World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire was used to collect data on risk behaviors over the preceding six months.
- HIV serostatus was determined through saliva and blood sample testing.
- Data were collected from 185 Irish intravenous drug users.
Main Results:
- HIV prevalence in the study group was 8.4%.
- High rates of sharing (55.7%) and borrowing (61.6%) of injecting equipment were reported.
- Inefficient needle cleaning practices were common (50.5% of those who shared).
- Sexual risk behaviors were prevalent, with low condom use among both regular (50.5% of males, 63% of females) and casual partners (32.6% of males).
- Female IDUs had a higher risk of HIV infection due to a greater proportion of partners being injectors compared to male IDUs.
Conclusions:
- Significant potential exists for sexual transmission of HIV to the non-injecting heterosexual population.
- Female IDUs face elevated HIV infection risk compared to males.
- Findings underscore the need for enhanced HIV prevention and intervention strategies targeting intravenous drug users in Ireland.