Russian Federation (2007): HIV/AIDS TRaC Study among Injecting Drug Users in Samara and Saratov Second Round

The objective of this study was to gather follow-up data about the prevalence of HIV risk and health-seeking behavior, as well as their determinants to gauge the effects of exposure to PSI-supported interventions among injecting drug users in Samara and Saratov. The results of this evaluation allow us to monitor changes in behavioral and attitudinal characteristics of injecting drug users (IDU), evaluate the effects of prevention services being offered through PSI-sponsored programs in both regions, and to establish trends in the PreventAIDs' purpose-level indicators with respect to this risk group. Design of this study is similar to that of the first round conducted a year earlier. It is premised on a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approach. Reflecting the estimated number of drug users at each region, the sample was drawn from regional capitals as well as from other municipalities such as Balakovo and Engels in Saratov province and Togliatti in Samara province. The number of respondents to be interviewed at each location was recruited through their peers using the system of coupons. Specifically, the original recruiters were offered 3 coupons which they could share among their drug-using peers to come for an interview at storefronts established at each study location. For each successful referral, the recruiter received a token reward. 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 i n Samara and 351 in Saratov -- were recruited in this study.