HIV test avoidance among people who inject drugs in Thailand.

Abstract

Case identification is a key component of HIV prevention efforts; yet rates of HIV testing remain low in some settings. We explored factors associated with HIV test avoidance among people who inject drugs (IDU) in Thailand. Between July and October 2011, 350 Thai IDU participated in the study. In bivariate analyses, male gender, high intensity drug use, syringe sharing, increased police presence, and being refused healthcare services were positively associated with HIV test avoidance, while ever receiving a hepatitis C test was negatively associated. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to reduce stigma in this setting.

• Authors: Lianping Ti, Kanna Hayashi, Karyn Kaplan, Paisan Suwannawong, Evan Wood, Julio Montaner, Thomas Kerr
• Journal: AIDS and behavior (AIDS Behav) Vol. 17 Issue 7 Pg. 2474-8 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1573-3254 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23117574 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Methamphetamine
• Midazolam

Topics

• AIDS Serodiagnosis (statistics & numerical data)
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (diagnosis, epidemiology, psychology, transmission)
• Adult
• Amphetamine-Related Disorders (complications, epidemiology, psychology)
• Developing Countries
• Epidemics
• Female
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (diagnosis, epidemiology, psychology, transmission)
• Heroin Dependence (complications, epidemiology, psychology)
• Humans
• Male
• Methamphetamine
• Midazolam
• Middle Aged
• Prejudice
• Refusal to Participate (psychology, statistics & numerical data)
• Social Stigma
• Substance Abuse, Intravenous (complications, epidemiology, psychology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Thailand
• Utilization Review (statistics & numerical data)