OBJECTIVETo understand where and how drug-using and sexual behaviors occurred among drug users.

METHODSTwenty-five drug users were recruited from detoxification centers and communities. In-depth interview was used to collect information about drug-using and sexual behaviors. Each subject was interviewed separately and privately for about 2 - 3 hours.

RESULTSMost drug users shifted from oral taking drugs to injecting drugs in order to reduce economic burden and look for "high feeling". Reasons for not injecting among few drug users included 'perceiving information on harm of injection', 'over-dose death' or 'infection with HIV'. Most drug users knew that HIV transmit through sharing needles or having sexual intercourse without using a condom. However, needles were shared at night when drug or needles were scarce. Promiscuous sexual relationship was common among drug users. Most female drug users had engaged in prostitution but few used condoms.

CONCLUSIONHigh-risk drug injecting behaviors and high-risk sexual behaviors were prevalent among drug users despite knowledge on HIV transmission and prevention. Thus, education alone would not work unless specific intervention programs are taken.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Behavior ; Substance-Related Disorders ; psychology

Introduction: This study investigated the association of selected biopsychosocial factors (i.e., CD4 cell count, self-stigma, and social stigma) with the quality of life and adherence to treatment of people living with HIV in the National Capital Region. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted to document the health status and behavior of respondents affiliated with a clinic in Quezon City. Participants answered an online questionnaire containing the Berger HIV Stigma Scale, WHO-QOL for HIV, and HIV Treatment Adherence SelfEfficacy Scale. Bivariate analyses and prevalence risk ratios were used to determine the association of selected biopsychosocial factors with quality of life and adherence to treatment. Results: One hundred respondents were analyzed, of which 42% had CD4 cell counts < 350 cells/mm3, 43% had high self-stigma and 36% had high social stigma while 11% had poor QOL and 7% had poor ATT. There was no significant association of CD4 cell count, self-stigma and social stigma with quality of life and with adherence to treatment. Conclusion A weak association was noted between poor QOL and low CD4 cell counts and among those who felt higher social stigma, but the relationships were not significant. The association between poor ATT and the selected biopsychosocial factors was not significant.
CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Social Stigma ; Quality of Life