Russian Federation (2006): HIV/AIDS TRaC Study among Injecting Drug Users in Samara and Saratov First Round

The objective of this study was to gather baseline data with respect to prevalence of HIV risk and health-seeking behaviors, their determinants, and exposure to PSI-supported interventions among injecting drug users (IDU) in Samara and Saratov. The results of this evaluation are meant to (1) assist in establishing baseline measures for PreventAIDS' purpose-level indicators, (2) identify determinants of these outcomes of interest among IDUs, and (3) inform future PSI programming for the IDU population in the respective regions. This study is premised on respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Reflecting the estimated number of drug users at each region, the sample was drawn from regional capitals and other selected municipal locations in the regions. At all locations, the respondents were recruited through their peers using a system of coupons which allowed for tracking of referrals between respondents. Specifically, the original recruiters were given 3 coupons which they could share among their drug-using peers to come for an interview at established study locations. Rewards were given for a successful interview and also for each successful referral. Interviews with IDUs were conducted by NGO staff at offices, storefronts, drop-in centres or other facilities where IDUs usually receive NGO-sponsored medical and non-medical services. In total, 701 respondents, 350 in Samara and 351 in Saratov, were recruited in this study.