Survey Methods for HIV and HCV in Injecting Drug Users
Author Information
Author(s): Judd Ali, Rhodes Tim, Johnston Lisa G, Platt Lucy, Andjelkovic Violeta, Simić Danijela, Mugosa Boban, Simić Milena, Žerjav Sonja, Parry Ruth P, Parry John V
Primary Institution: MRC Clinical Trials Unit, London, UK
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of HIV and HCV among injecting drug users in Serbia and Montenegro?
Conclusion
The study found high rates of HCV and significant injecting risk behaviors among IDUs, indicating a need for urgent HIV prevention interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- 3% of IDUs in Belgrade were anti-HIV positive, while 63% were anti-HCV positive.
- 0% of IDUs in Podgorica were anti-HIV positive, while 22% were anti-HCV positive.
- Participants who injected daily had higher odds of anti-HCV positivity.
- Sharing used needles was associated with increased risk of HCV infection.
Takeaway
The study looked at people who use drugs in Serbia and Montenegro to see how many have HIV or hepatitis C, and found many do, which means we need to help them more.
Methodology
The study used respondent driven sampling and audio-computer assisted survey interviewing (ACASI) to recruit participants and collect data.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in participant selection due to the nature of recruitment methods.
Limitations
Some data were missing due to issues with the ACASI program, and there were challenges in managing participant recruitment.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 433 IDUs from Belgrade and 328 from Podgorica, with varying ages and educational backgrounds.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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