| dc.description.abstract | Introduction and Aim. Injecting drug users (IDUs) are amongst the most vulnerable people to acquisition of HIV/AIDS. This study
aims to collect information on IDUs and their health seeking behavior in Bangladesh. Design and Methods. A cross-sectional
study was conducted among 120 IDUs attending a drug rehabilitation center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected on
sociodemographics, drug use, health seeking behavior, knowledge of injecting drugs, and sexual behavior. Results. The mean ±
SD and median (IQR) age of the participants were 32.5 ± 21.3 and 33 (27–38) years, respectively, with only 9.2% females. Injection
buprenorphine was the drug of choice for 40% of participants, and 58% of the participants first started drug use with smoking
cannabis. 73.3% of participants shared needles sometimes and 57.5% were willing to use the needle exchange programs. 60% of
the participants had no knowledge about the diseases spread by injection. Condom use during the last intercourse with regular
partners was 11.7% and with any partners 15.8%. Conclusion. IDUs in Bangladesh are a high-risk group for HIV/AIDS due to lack of
knowledge and risky behaviors. Education and interventions specifically aimed at IDUs are needed, because traditional education
may not reach IDUs or influence their behavior. | en_US |
