AEGiS-15IAC: Through the eye of the needle; An exploratory research into the environmental factors that shape the drug careers of young people in selected cities in Asia.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Through the eye of the needle; An exploratory research into the environmental factors that shape the drug careers of young people in selected cities in Asia.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10067)

de Kort GL, Batra S, Nassirimanesh B, Pasaribu R, ul-Hassan S
Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN), Chiang Mai, Thailand

ISSUES: The key question that forms the backbone of the research is: What are the characteristics of drug careers of young people and what are factors or circumstances that influence their development? Focus of the research is on injecting drug use and HIV/AIDS vulnerability.

DESCRIPTION: This abstract describes an action research that is currently being conducted in four countries: Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Iran. Preliminary results are expected by July 2004 and the final research report is due by October 2000. Key methodological principles are: involvement of all stakeholders, non-judgmental approach, informed consent and confidentiality. Data are being gathered through: Analysis of existing data; Interviews with key informants;Focus group discussions with teachers, parents, service providers, religious leaders, policy makers, law enforcement officers, etc, and; About 1200 one to one interviews by (ex) People Using Drugs (PUD) with PUD. Four National Research Committees have been established, national research teams have been recruited, the research tools have been developed, and data gathering has started. National Research Reports are due by the end of June 2004, thus facilitating the presentation of preliminary results in July 2004. Lessons learned / Expected outcomes: Conclusions on types of drugs, methods of intake, development of drug use, the influence of environmental factors, standards of services, etc., thus providing new insight, useful for the prevention of drug use and drug related harms, including HIV/AIDS. Recommendations on drug-related policies and programmes, based on insight in: Characteristics of drug use and drug careers; Facilitating and impeding environmental factors of drug use; The roles that GOs, NGOs and INGOs play in the above, and; Gaps in available information and data, as well as services. An effective research methodology that can be used in other Asian cities and countries without fundamental changes.

Keywords: AEGIS, Research, Cities, Asia, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Substance-Related Disorders, Federal Government, Needles, Focus Groups, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Parents, Health Services Accessibility, India, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia

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C10067