HIV infection and related factors among people who inject drugs in the east of Southern Region Vietnam in 2019

Abstract

A cross-sectional surveys among 200 PWID aged ≥16 in each province were conducted through face-to-face interviews and blood sampling for HIV testing. This study aimed to describe HIV infection status and related factors among male PWID in three southeastern provinces including Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Dong Nai in 2019. The prevalence of HIV among PWID in the southeastern region was 11.9% (95% CI: 9.4%-14.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed seven factors to be associated with elevated prevalence of HIV: (1) PWID in Binh Duong; (2) older age PWID; (3) low educational level; (4) sharing
needles/syringes in the past month; (5) using a condom in the most recent sex; (6) regularly using condoms with wife/sexual partners in the past month; and (7) involving in the methadone maintenance program. Conversely, PWID who started injecting drugs at older age were less likely to get infected with HIV. Recommendations: Harm reduction programs
for PWID should be maintained, taking into consideration the associated factors found in the study so as to minimize prevalence of HIV among PWID.