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- Title
Predictors of continued HIV-risk behaviors among drug users in methadone maintenance therapy program in China--A prospective study.
- Authors
Wen Chen; Yinghua Xia; Yan Hong; Hall, Brian J.; Li Ling
- Abstract
Background To examine the predictors of continued drug- and sex-related HIV-risk behaviors among drug users in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) programs in China. Methods We followed a sample of 5,035 drug users enrolled for the first time in MMT programs at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months utilizing a longitudinal prospective study design. Drug users' HIV-risk behaviors, MMT characteristics, and drug use, were assessed at all three waves using a structured interview and HIV/HCV status was assessed at baseline and 12- month follow-up using biological specimens. Results The point prevalence of HIV was 7.6% and 78.4% for HCV at baseline. Results of generalized linear mixed logistic regression models revealed that HIV-positive MMT clients were more likely to engage in drug injection (aOR = 1.70) and syringe sharing (aOR = 4.73). HCV-positive clients were more likely to inject drugs (aOR = 2.58), share syringes (aOR = 1.97), and have multiple sexual partners (aOR = 1.47). Adherence to MMT was the most significant predictor of reduced HIV-risk behaviors. Conclusions Our data confirmed the positive effects of MMT on HIV prevention and underscored the urgency for programs to reduce HIV risk in HIV- and HCV-positive clients. There is a pressing need to strengthen existing counseling services for HIV-positive drug users to reduce their drug-related risk behaviors and to provide counseling for HCV-positive drug users. Further studies are needed to explore interventions to address high dropout rates and low adherence among MMT clients.
- Subjects
METHADONE treatment programs; HIV infection risk factors; HIV-positive persons; LOGISTIC regression analysis; DISEASE prevalence; HUMAN services
- Publication
Harm Reduction Journal, 2013, Vol 10, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1477-7517
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/1477-7517-10-23