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Ethnicity and risk factors in needle sharing among intravenous drug users in Sichuan Province, China

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Susanne Choi

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Abstract

Combining survey and ethnographic data, this research examined differences in the risk factors associated with needle sharing amongst intravenous drug users (IDUs) in the Sichuan Province of China. A comparison was made between the province's majority Han population and its Yi minority. We developed a theoretical framework consisting of risk factors at the individual level (including risk factors such as lack of AIDS knowledge, low self-efficacy, and economic pressure), interpersonal level (having an IDU primary partner and lack of family support), and community level (social discrimination). The findings suggested that the Yi minority group was more socially disadvantaged and had a higher risk of contracting HIV than the Han group. Furthermore, the factors that put them at risk were different to those which affected the Han group. OLS regression results showed that, for Han IDUs, needle sharing was positively associated with having an IDU primary partner and with economic pressure. On the other hand, for the minority group, needle sharing was significantly associated with being male, AIDS knowledge, the lack of family support, and social discrimination. These findings highlight the need for HIV prevention work to target marginalized populations in China, such as ethnic minorities, and to tailor appropriate prevention strategies to meet the specific needs of different groups.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Choi SYP, Cheung YW, Jiang ZQ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: AIDS Care

Year: 2007

Volume: 19

Issue: 1

Pages: 1-8

ISSN (print): 0954-0121

ISSN (electronic): 1360-0451

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09540120600900496

DOI: 10.1080/09540120600900496


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