Thailand (2005): HIV/AIDS TRaC Study among Injecting Drug Users in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai First Round

Tracking surveys serve as tools to inform programming by routinely collecting data from cross-sections of populations at risk for HIV/AIDS and other adverse health outcomes. This survey among injecting drug users (IDUs) aimed to: 1) identify and describe segments of the population in terms of needle sharing at last injection; 2) understand the needle sharing behaviors of IDUs; 3) explore the sexual behaviors and condom use of IDUs; and 4) apply study findings to interventions designed for reducing the risk of HIV transmission from needle sharing among IDUs. Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) was used to collect data among 339 IDUs aged 15 to 45 who live or work in urban areas in Bangkok, Muang Chiang Mai District, and Muang Chiang Rai District. A screening questionnaire and main questionnaire served as survey tools. The questionnaire collected information on background characteristics, opinions about needle-sharing practices, personal drug use and sharing practices, beliefs and knowledge about HIV infection, sexual practices and condom use, and exposure to PSI products and services. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with needle sharing. Simple frequencies were run on descriptive data to permit monitoring of project indicators.