Drug use, sexual behaviours and practices among male drug users in Hanoi, Vietnam - A qualitative study

Abstract

A qualitative study was conducted among drug users in Hanoi, Vietnam in May and June 2001 to describe their drug use practices and sexual behaviours, as well as potential factors that might contribute to the recent increase of HIV among them and local sex workers. A total of 63 drug users in five main districts of Hanoi were recruited for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study found that drug users in Hanoi have been engaging in high-risk injecting behaviours and practices. They reported frequently visiting female sex workers (FSWs) and low condom use. Drug users had poor understanding and practices of cleaning injecting equipment, little knowledge of infection through sexual routes, and infrequent knowledge of their HIV infection status. The study provided evidence that young and new injecting drug users (IDUs) are at particularly high risk of HIV infection, are sexually active, and can serve as a bridge between the drug user and FSWs populations. They and sex workers should be the focus of intervention activities. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.