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What are the Factors Associated With HIV Testing Among Male Injecting An Non-Injecting Drug Users In Lashio, Myanmnar: A Cross-Sectional Study
BMJ Open (2013)
  • Yu Mon Saw
  • Junko Yasuoka
  • Thu Nandar Saw
  • Krishna C. Poudel, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • Soe Tun
  • Masamine Jimba
Abstract
Objectives: HIV testing is an effective intervention for reducing HIV risk and providing information on HIV status. However, uptake of HIV testing is a major challenge within the drug-using population due to the stigma and discrimination associated with their illegal drug use behaviours. This study thus aimed to identify factors associated with HIV testing among injecting drug users (IDUs) and non-injecting drug users (NIDUs) in Lashio, Myanmar. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2010 to February 2010. Setting: This study was carried out in Lashio city, Northern Shan State, Myanmar. Participants: In total, 158 male IDUs and 210 male NIDUs were recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method. Primary outcome measures: Proportion of both drug users who were ever tested for HIV and factors associated with HIV testing. Results: Approximately 77% of IDUs and 46% of NIDUs were ever tested for HIV. The multivariate analysis revealed that having ever received drug treatment was positively associated with HIV testing among both IDUs (adjusted OR (AOR) 13.07; 95% CI 3.38 to 50.53) and NIDUs (AOR 3.58; 95% CI 1.38 to 9.24). IDUs who were married (AOR 0.24; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.94) and who injected at least twice daily (AOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.97) were less likely to undergo HIV testing. Among NIDUs, those who belonged to Shan (AOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.84) or Kachin (AOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.87) ethnicities were less likely to test for HIV. Conclusions: IDUs and NIDUs who have received drug treatment are more likely to test for HIV. Integrating HIV testing into drug treatment programmes alongside general expansion of HIV testing services may be effective in increasing HIV testing uptake among both IDUs and NIDUs in the Northern Shan State of Myanmar.
Keywords
  • Health Services Administration & Management
Disciplines
Publication Date
2013
Citation Information
Yu Mon Saw, Junko Yasuoka, Thu Nandar Saw, Krishna C. Poudel, et al.. "What are the Factors Associated With HIV Testing Among Male Injecting An Non-Injecting Drug Users In Lashio, Myanmnar: A Cross-Sectional Study" BMJ Open (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/krishna_poudel/36/