Behavioural change in injecting drug users: evaluation of an HIV/AIDS education programme

The results obtained from the training and follow-up of 189 IDUs who participated in a programme consisting of an audiovisual presentation, pre-/post-testing and individual counselling are presented. Syringe sharing decreased from 35% at initial contact to 12% after 6 months. Sexual behaviour proved more resistant to change. However, condom use in at-risk situations increased from 49% to 70%. IDUs under continuous methadone treatment were less likely to engage high risk drug injecting practices than the other IDUs. Results indicate that an educational programme addressed toward risk reduction may determine relevant behavioural change among IDUs.