Changes in the Prevalence of HIV-Related Behaviors and Perceptions Among 1832 Injecting Drug Users in Sichuan, China

Abstract

In Brief Objective: To evaluate overall effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus-related prevention programs among injecting drug users in Sichuan, China. Design: Behavioral surveillance data were analyzed. Results: The coverage rates for various service types increased from 2002–2004. The prevalence of using other’s used syringes in the last month decreased from between 24.7% and 54.1% in the baseline years (2002 or 2003) to between 11% and 18.9% in 2004 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06–0.2 to OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.9, P <0.05]. Improvements were observed in prevalence of giving used syringes to others for drug injection in the last month (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.06–0.1 to OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–0.9 in 3 counties, P <0.05) etc. Increase in prevalence of condom use with commercial sex partners or nonregular partners were observed in 3 counties (2004 vs. baseline year: OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.5 to OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9, P <0.05) but not for prevalence of condom use with regular sex partners. Conclusion: The results supported the claim that harm reduction programs targeting injecting drug users have been effective. Overall program effectiveness is supported by decreased prevalence of needle sharing, increased prevalence of service coverage, and condom use with high-risk partners during the study period in the surveillance sites.