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