15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10032)

Razaque A
Punjab AIDS Control Programme, Lahore, Pakistan

ISSUE: Reducing the risk of HIV infection - looking for a better approach.

DESCRIPTION: IDUs are universally identified as one of the high-risk groups for contracting HIV. Needle sharing is one major issue that puts IDUs at greater risk of contracting HIV. Methodology adopted for intervention included building contacts with influential people of the area, identifying peer educators among the IDUs, training project team and peer educators, conducting a base-line survey, group organizing, holding group discussion sessions on Hazards of Drug Use, Needle Sharing, HIV and other infections & preventive measures. Referral services were also offered to the IDUs wishing for treatment of drug abuse.

RESULTS: The base-line survey conducted yielded following risky behaviors for HIV infection almost equally prevalent: needle sharing and unsafe sex practices. There were other conditions, like poor hygiene and poor diet, also contributing to poor health. By the end of the intervention period it was observed that target group with peer educators from the same target group was most regular in holding groups, high on attendance, with more referral cases, more cases for treatment and fewer relapses within the next six months. Greater number of secondary groups and the peer educators were rated as the best role models. This group was lowest on getting community support and involvement. The groups with non-addict staff members were able to get full support from the local community, but with lower result as per objectives.

040711
C10032

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