Young Injection Drug Users in Colombia: Is there a Need for a Damage Reduction Program?

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Colombia (South America) number of heroin injection drug users (IDUs) has increased exponentially during the last decade. Heroin consumers are at a greater risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to sharing of needles, unsafe sex, and related risk-taking behaviors. Previous scholars have used multiple theories to explain IDUs behaviors (e.g., Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior) with multiple constructs overlapping across theories; however, little is still known about theoretical applications among IDUs in other countries. The current study aims to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis C and HIV, identify socio-demographic characteristics of IDUs and examine behavioral patterns that might lead to HIV-HCV coinfections. Cross-sectional data was collected from N=265 using respondent-driven sampling method (RDSAT). Preliminary results show that IDUs have a Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence of 22.3% (IC 95%) and HIV prevalence of 2.6% (IC95%). IDUs no using Needle Exchange Programs have a 2.7 times greater risk of being infected with Hepatitis C virus. Additional analysis will include examining risk behavioral patterns among IDUs in other Colombian cities (on-going data preparation). Results will be discussed in relation to theoretical applications, national prevention/intervention policy and efforts, and directions for advancing the field internationally.

Authors

• Dedsy Y. Y. Berbesi Fernández, Universidad CES- Medellin, Colombia

• Elizabeth Trejos, Texas Tech University

• Angela Segura-Cardona, Universidad CES- Medellin, Colombia