AEGiS-15IAC: Injection Drug Use and HIV/AIDS in Vinnitsya, Ukraine: Application of the WHO Rapid Assessment and Response Guide.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Injection Drug Use and HIV/AIDS in Vinnitsya, Ukraine: Application of the WHO Rapid Assessment and Response Guide.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10232)

Dumchev KV, Barcal K, Schumacher JE, Moroz LV
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States

BACKGROUND: The Rapid Assessment and Response Guide on Injecting Drug Use developed by the WHO was implemented in the city of Vinnitsya, Ukraine in 2002. It has assessed the extent and nature of IDU; assess the extent of adverse health consequences of IDU, especially HIV infection; assessed risk behaviors associated with drug injection leading to adverse health consequences; and identified and interventions needed to reduce adverse health consequences associated with injection drug use.

METHODS: The assessment utilized multiple qualitative methods of epidemiology and behavioral science and risk-factor prevalence estimation through knowledge-attitude-practice surveys. The components of this methodology consisted of initial consultation and access to information and stakeholders, analysis of existing information, individual interviews, and focus groups.

RESULTS: In the recent years, drug use has been rapidly increasing, and shifting from purer, more expensive drugs, to drugs that can be made at home. It is estimated that there were about 2000 IDUs in the Vinnitsya city in 2002. Homemade drugs preparation and injection practices in this area are associated with particularly high HIV/AIDS risk. The Vinnitsya Oblast (region) reported 155 new HIV infections at the end of 2001, with the largest proportion among IDUs (80%). Factors that encourage the spread of IDU and HIV include economic, social, cultural, geographical, migration, lack of information, and flaws in regulations system. Primary prevention efforts are scarce and have not been systematic. Risk reduction services are limitedly available through the local NGO's needle exchange program.

CONCLUSION: Given that HIV prevalence among users of injection drugs still remained high at the end of 2002, and began to shift toward the general population, significant problems may arise without enhanced prevention and treatment efforts. Training, education, service, and research action items are recommended.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Needle-Exchange Programs, Substance-Related Disorders, Risk-Taking, Prevalence, Injections, Risk Factors, Physical Therapy Techniques, Evaluation Studies, Health Services Needs and Demand, Ukraine, surgery, rehabilitation, methods, organization & administration

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C10232