title: HIV transmission among drug users in Larkana, Pakistan.
abstract: During a routine surveillance programme, 17 of 183 drug users in Larkana, Pakistan, were found to be HIV positive. To investigate the factors to this rapid transmission of HIV, a case-control study was conducted. Cases were HIV seropositive male drug dependants, while controls were drug dependants who were tested to be HIV seronegative. A total number of seven cases and 14 controls were recruited for the investigation at a case:control ratio of 1:2. Univariate logistic regression analysis of the data showed that injection drug use in groups, re-using a syringe that is used by a companion, sex with commercial sex workers, having multiple sex partners, and early initiation of sexual activity were associated with HIV seropositivity among heroin addicts.
authors.affiliation: Country Office for Pakistan, UNODC, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Nadeem
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: ur Rehman
authors.forename: Faran
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Emmanuel
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhtar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*