Prevalence of HIV infection and its associated factors among male people who inject drugs in Can Tho in 2021

Abstract

Injecting drugs is a major cause of HIV transmission. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of HIV positivity and its associated factors in male people who inject drugs (PWIDs). A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2021 on 200 male PWIDs in Can Tho. Collected data included demographic characteristics, highrisk behaviours, and access to HIV prevention services. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore factors associated with HIV positivity. The results showed that the prevalence of HIV positivity among male PWIDs was 15.5%. The likelihood of HIV positivity was higher in those who have injected drugs for a longer time (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 - 1.31), or who have ever shared needles with aOR: 3.44 (1.37 - 8.64). In contrast, male PWIDs who were married were less likely to be positive for HIV than single ones with aOR: 0.38 (0.14 - 0.98). Our study indicated that the prevalence of HIV positivity among male PWIDs in Can Tho was relatively high. Maintaining and expanding the coverage of harm reduction intervention programs, increasing communication, counseling, and education on behavior changes is very important to reduce prevalence HIV among PWIDs, especially in those who had a higher duration of injection, have shared needles, and were single.