%0 Journal Article
%T The context of HIV risk behaviours among HIV-positive injection drug users in Viet Nam: Moving toward effective harm reduction
%A Duong Thanh
%A Karen Moland
%A Knut Fylkesnes
%J BMC Public Health
%D 2009
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1471-2458-9-98
%X This study used multiple qualitative methods in data collection including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation with HIV-positive injection drug users.The informants described a change in the sharing practices among injection drug users towards more precautions and what was considered 'low risk sharing', like sharing among seroconcordant partners and borrowing rather than lending. However risky practices like re-use of injection equipment and 'syringe pulling' i.e. the use of left-over drugs in particular, were frequently described and observed. Needle and syringe distribution programmes were in place but carrying needles and syringes and particularly drugs could result in being arrested and fined. Fear of rejection and of loss of intimacy made disclosure difficult and was perceived as a major obstacle for condom use among recently diagnosed HIV infected individuals.HIV-positive injection drug users continue to practice HIV risk behaviours. The anti-drug law and the police crack-down policy appeared as critical factors hampering ongoing prevention efforts with needle and syringe distribution programmes in Viet Nam. Drastic policy measures are needed to reduce the very high HIV prevalence among injection drug users.HIV transmission continues to be very high among injection drug users (IDUs) in many countries [1]. Studies among HIV-positive IDUs who know their HIV status show high rates of HIV risk behaviours including the sharing of needles and syringes [2-5], multiple sexual partners [4,6] and unprotected sexual intercourse [2-8]. A literature review based on publications from the US revealed that up to 64% of HIV-positive IDUs had shared injection equipment and 47% had engaged in unprotected sex during the previous 6 months [9]. Both injecting drug use and HIV among IDUs have spread to almost every country of the world, but only in a small number of countries have effective responses been implemented [10].Being located in the outs
%U http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/9/98