KE King, R Stephenson, J Zhuo and J Hsia
China has a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic mostly among intravenous drug users. The purpose of this study was to examine the HIV/AIDS related knowledge and risk behaviors among a group of former intravenous drug users utilizing services at a methadone clinic in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A sample of 140 methadone care recipients was surveyed on their demographic characteristics, drug-using behaviors, sexual behaviors, and factors related to risk behaviors including HIV/AIDS related awareness and knowledge. Although HIV/AIDS related knowledge was high, respondents reported that they did not use condoms, they shared needles, and they participated in commercial sex. Additionally, the respondents’ perception of their risk for HIV infection was not always in accordance with their reported risk behaviors. This research suggests that methadone care recipients could act as a bridge population for HIV transmission to populations not involved with intravenous drug use. Further research on former intravenous drug users in China and their risk behaviors is warranted.
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