title: Prevalence and factors associated with HIV infection among injection drug users at methadone clinics in Taipei, Taiwan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Methadone treatment was introduced in Taiwan in 2006 as a harm-reduction program for injection drug users (IDUs), among whom HIV was endemic. We examined the association of HIV serostatus with demographic characteristics, substance use, and sexual behaviors among IDUs at methadone clinics in Taipei, Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  During 2012-2013, IDUs at methadone clinics in Taipei were recruited to complete a risk assessment interview and undergo serologic testing for HIV infection. Correlates of HIV infection were identified by multivariate logistic regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 827 eligible participants, 85.9% were male, median age was 45 years, and mean years of injecting was 18.0 (range 1-56). The prevalence of HIV infection was 17.7%. In multivariate analysis, HIV infection was significantly associated with age ≤ 45 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.62), being divorced (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.06-2.62), deriving the majority of income during the previous 6 months from temporary jobs or other noncriminal sources (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.02-2.30), unstable housing during the previous 6 months (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.003-2.15), higher number of incarcerations (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.26), and a history of overdose (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.01-2.28).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taiwanese IDUs at methadone clinics have a relatively high HIV prevalence, which was associated with younger age and history of overdose. It is imperative to educate IDUs' about HIV transmission, particularly for the younger and overdosed IDUs.
authors.forename: Yung-Feng
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: Muh-Yong
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: Ting
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Lan-Huei
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xiao-Ru
authors.initials: XR
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Pesus
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.affiliation: Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Section 2, Ni-Long Street, Taipei 11221, Taiwan. cydeng@ym.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Chung-Yeh
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Deng
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology; D055030:Drug Users; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone