CHARACTERISTICS OF HIV INFECTION AMONG HEROIN ABUSERS IN ZHENGZHOU

Objective: To understand HIV infection among heroin abusers in Zhengzhou, the relation between HIV infection and drug abuse behavior, and the cognition of drug abusers to AIDS. Methods: A detection of HIV blood serum antibody was conducted in 2100 heroin abusers who were admitted to the unit undertaking detoxification from Nov.2003 to Dec. 2003. Among them 802 cases were investigated on the knowledge of and attitude towards HIV/AIDS with a questionnaire designed by National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking Unirevsity. Results: There were 32 HIV positive cases( including 29 males and 3 females)detected among the heroin abusers, the rate of which was 1.52%. Yi nationality (14 cases, accounting for 43.8%) and Wei nationality (12 cases, accounting for 37.5%) took the most proportion (81.3%). The infection routes were iv. drug use(68.8%) and sexual activity(31.2%). Of the 802 cases, 55.7% didn't know the main route of HIV transmission and the proportion of the Yi(61/67)and Wei (61/78) was even higher; 36.2% didn't know that sharing injectors could infect HIV/AIDS and the proportion was also higher in the Yi (61/67) and Wei (48/78) Conclusion: Most HIV infections in Zhengzhou are floating minorities who are lack of HIV/AIDS related knowledge. Prevention education and administration of floating population should be strengthened in Zhengzhou so as to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission.