Nghia Khuu Van. Environmental factors affecting risk behaviors for HIV infection among injecting drug users in Vinhlong province Vietnam. Master's Degree(Population and Reproductive Health Research ). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Environmental factors affecting risk behaviors for HIV infection among injecting drug users in Vinhlong province Vietnam
Abstract:
This study examines the effects of environmental factors, namely, living
with ones family, receiving peer educator assistance, receiving health worker
assistance, and attending injecting drug user (IDU) clubs on risk behaviors among
IDUs when controlled for personal factors. Secondary data from a cross-sectional
study for knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices on HIV/AIDS among IDUs in
Vinhlong province were used for analysis. The total number of samples was 360
IDUs. The results of binary logistic regression indicate that some environmental
factors affect risk behaviors. Attending IDU clubs was negatively associated with
inconsistent condom use, and the receipt of peer educator assistance and living with
family were negatively associated with needle sharing. Some personal factors also
associated with risk behaviors. Age and number of sexual partners were positively
associated with inconsistent condom use while education was negatively associated
with inconsistent condom use. Similarly, age, education, and HIV knowledge were
negatively associated with needle sharing while perceived HIV status and duration of
injection were positively associated with needle sharing.
The results suggested that harm reduction programs need to consider the
environmental factors. For example, strengthening the roles of peer educators and IDU
clubs as well as encouraging families to accept and support their member IDUs.
Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center