Knowledge, attitude, belief and practice of

drug addicts groups in Lang Son, Thai Nguyen,

Hai Phong, Ha Noi and Nghe An concerning drug use and the prevention of infection

Vu Thi Minh Hanh et al

Place of publication: National Committee for AIDS prevention

Year of publication: 1998

Objectives:To describe the reality of the level and habit of drug use, sexual behaviour and the ability to access information channels about HIV/AIDS prevention of the addicts group.

Subjects: Drug addicts at the age of 15-60; Staff at withdrawal centres; Families and drug addicts; People in the community.

Methods: In-depth interview, focused group discussion, survey.

Findings: The majority of the addicts are males of young age, unemployed or with unstable jobs, single. The common age of drug use is over 23. The reason is having been enticed or imitating others. Sexual behaviour of this group is of high level of openness. The skills and level of use of preventive methods for STD and HIV are low. The prevailing attitude is to avoid other people. The proportion of re..... is over 60%. The relationship between the withdrawal treatment centre and the subjects is established o­nly after the beginning of treatment. The proportion of people being able to access mass media channels about HIV/AIDS prevention is fairly high. The general and most important expectation of drug addicts is to have a job and to be sympathized and not discriminated by other people in the community, to be loved and helped by their relatives.

Recommendations: Increasing communication and education activities; maintaining the activities of peer groups in the community;promoting the role of schools, families and social organisations in controlling and educating young people; strengthening activities to eliminate drug dealing locations.

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