Under the Influence of needles: Behavioral changes and prevalence of HIV/AIDS among IDUs of three states of India

The aim of this study is to understand HIV related risk behaviour and prevalence of HIV/AIDS among IDUs in the districts Manipur, Nagaland and Maharashtra of India between two rounds. The data from IBBA round 1(2005-2007) and round 2 (2009-2010) has been used. A significant decline in the age at initiation of drugs among IDUs and proportion of needle sharing is found in all the districts except Wokha in Nagaland in the round 2. The proportion of paid sex and condom use has increased among the IDUs in round 2. Mobility is important predictor to explain the STI symptoms and HIV sero-positivity driving towards risky sexual behaviour. The prevalence of STI and HIV is much higher in multiple sexual partners as injecting drug users .Those who have condom use in the last sexual act are less likely to have any STIs and HIV in the past one year in Manipur.