Use of service at commune health centers among people living with HIV and drugs use and related factors in 4 provinces, 2018

Abstract

A cross - sectional study was conducted among 241 people living with HIV and drugs use (PLHWUD) in 4 provinces (Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Nam Dinh, Nghe An) in 2018 to describe the health service use at commune health centers (CHC) and related factors. Results showed that the rate of PLHWUD who have used health services CHC was 25.7%; the rate of using services at CHC in the past 3 months was 19.9%; regarding HIV and drug use related services, out of 48 people who visited CHC in the past 3 months, 64%
came to receive ARV drugs, 6% came for HIV-related tests (CD4 or viral load), 18% came for addiction treatment counseling, only 21% were referred to other medical services. Supportive factors related to service use at CHC were older age group (OR = 14.3, 95% CI: 7.2 - 29.4), stable job status (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5 - 5.7). In order for PLHWUD to access and use services at CHC, it is necessary to pay attention to service accessability, which CHC staff can provide or transfer HIV and drug use related services. More attention should be paid for service delivery to young, ethnic minorities, and unstable job PLHWUD groups.