[The persistence of risky conduct for HIV transmission among intravenous drug users in Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. The Working Group of the Médicos del Mundo for the Monitoring of HIV Infection and the Risk Practices of Intravenous Drug Users]

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of HIV infection and risk-taking behavior for infection among intravenous drug users in Madrid, Seville, and Valencia (Spain). To study the main factors associated with such behavior.

Material and methods: Personal interviews were carried out with 821 intravenous drug users recruited in 1994 and 1995 among recent participants in three needle-exchange programs. Subjects were asked about their risk-taking behavior in the 30 days preceding the interview. Bivariate statistical methods and logistical regression techniques were used.

Results: In the month before the interview, 13.8% of the subjects in Valencia, 18.1% in Madrid, and 26.9% in Seville used needles that had been used by other people, usually (73-88%) without disinfecting them effectively. Condom use during the reference period was 50% in Seville, 42.5% in Madrid, and 34.2% in Valencia. The prevalence of HIV infection ranged from 30.1% in Seville to 43. 2% in Madrid. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors most closely associated with accepting used needles were: needle sharing (OR = 12.2), residence in Seville (OR = 6.6), and HIV positivity (OR = 4.6). The factors most closely associated with not using condoms systematically were: ignorance of personal HIV serological state (OR = 4.1), needle sharing (OR = 3.7), and HIV negativity (OR = 3.3).

Conclusions: The risk of HIV transmission among intra-venous drug users in Spain is high (infection and risk-taking behavior have a high prevalence), so programs designed to reduce this risk should be increased quickly.