ANALYSIS OF HIV INFECTIONS AMONG 4873 DRUG ABUSERS

Objective: To understand the distribution of HIV infections among drug abusers in Guangdong Province and the relationship between drug abuse and HIV infections so as to provide scientific data for strengthening administrative intervention and prevention of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. Methods: HIV serum antibody of 4873 drug abusers in custody for drug rehabilitation from 1999 to 2001 was tested and investigated. Self-designed questionnaires of drug abuse routes and knowledge of HIV/AIDS were used. Results: Of 4873 drug abusers, 81 cases were infected by HIV, accounting for 1.66%. Among them, 46 cases (56.79%) were from Yangjiang City. There was difference between Yangjiang and the other two cities, Jieyang and Shanwei in the number of sharing syringes/needles (P0.001) , the knowledge about the ways of HIV/AIDS spreading and the knowledge of sharing needles/syringes could transmit HIV/AIDS(P0.05). Conclusion: There is significant difference in the distribution of HIV infections in the province. It might be related with the sharing of syringes/needles and the understanding of the routes of HIV transmission.