Injecting Drug Users and Their Health Seeking Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract EN

Introduction and Aim.

Injecting drug users (IDUs) are amongst the most vulnerable people to acquisition of HIV/AIDS.

This study aims to collect information on IDUs and their health seeking behavior in Bangladesh.

Design and Methods.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 IDUs attending a drug rehabilitation center in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Data were collected on sociodemographics, drug use, health seeking behavior, knowledge of injecting drugs, and sexual behavior.

Results.

The mean ± SD and median (IQR) age of the participants were 32.5 ± 21.3 and 33 (27–38) years, respectively, with only 9.2% females.

Injection buprenorphine was the drug of choice for 40% of participants, and 58% of the participants first started drug use with smoking cannabis.

73.3% of participants shared needles sometimes and 57.5% were willing to use the needle exchange programs.

60% of the participants had no knowledge about the diseases spread by injection.

Condom use during the last intercourse with regular partners was 11.7% and with any partners 15.8%.

Conclusion.

IDUs in Bangladesh are a high-risk group for HIV/AIDS due to lack of knowledge and risky behaviors.

Education and interventions specifically aimed at IDUs are needed, because traditional education may not reach IDUs or influence their behavior.