Background: HIV prevalence among sex workers in Ho Chi Minh City has increased rapidly, from 6.5% in 1999 to 18.1% in 2000. This study examined whether injecting drug use among street-based sex workers (SSWs) in Ho Chi Minh City is a high-risk factor for HIV infection. Goal: The goal of this study was to determine the correlates and prevalence of intravenous drug users among SSWs in Ho Chi Minh City. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among SSWs in Ho Chi Minh City during December 2000. The SSWs were interviewed and tested for HIV-1. Results: HIV-1 seroprevalence was 16.3%. Regression analysis indicated that injecting drugs and being younger than 25 years of age were independently associated with HIV seropositivity. Conclusion: Young SSWs who inject drugs are at the greatest risk of contracting HIV and acting as a bridge for HIV to the sexually active population.
