Knowledge of drug-related health problems among injecting drug users: Implications for the transmission of HIV infection

Abstract

In a project that investigated the HIV-related risk behaviour of injecting drug users, respondents were categorized along dimensions of expertness in HIV/AIDS knowledge and knowledge about drug-related health problems. Knowledge about drug-related health problems was found to be significantly associated with sharing. Better informed respondents were less likely to share injecting equipment and to predict they would share in future. They were more likely to adopt consistent injecting hygiene, seek information about AIDS, and perceive themselves as in control of their lives. No significant relationships were observed between sharing and HIV/AIDS knowledge. The data have relevance for AIDS educational strategies, since knowledge about AIDS and HIV transmission appears to be insufficient to induce behavioural change. Greater emphasis on the health problems that afflict most injectors may be a way of encouraging general harm minimization.