HIV Testing and HIV Positivity Among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) With and Without History of High-Risk Behaviors: Findings From a Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) Survey in Southern Thailand

Abstract

People who inject drugs (PWIDs) may engage in other behaviors with high risk of HIV transmission to various extents. However, data are scarce regarding differences in HIV testing and HIV positivity among PWIDs with and without high-risk behaviors. Such data can help inform stakeholders with regard to program prioritization. The objective of this study was to assess the extent that lifetime and past-year histories of HIV tests and HIV positivity varied by history of high-risk behaviors among PWIDs. We conducted a cross-sectional study with respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in the deep south provinces of Thailand during late 2019 thru early 2020. Data collection was done using structured questionnaire with face-to-face interviews. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 283 PWIDs gave verbal informed consent, and 282 PWIDs participated in the interview ( n = 282 PWIDs). Approximately 44.6% of the participants never had an HIV test. Participants with history of high-risk behaviors had significantly higher odds of lifetime HIV testing than participants with no history of high-risk behaviors (Adjusted OR = 2.94; 95% CI [1.11, 7.78]). Among participants with lifetime history of HIV tests, those with history of high-risk behaviors had significantly higher odds of being HIV-positive than those with no history of high-risk behaviors (Adjusted OR = 2.44; 95% CI [0.73, 8.17]). Stakeholders should consider encouraging those without history of high-risk behaviors not to be complacent about HIV testing, and ensure that those with high-risk behaviors have full access to HIV care when they test positive.