Integrated Bio-behavioral Survey (IBBS) among Male Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in the Western and the Far-Western Terai – 2007

Abstract

Summary: The National Center for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), Nepal has developed a comprehensive National Surveillance Plan for HIV and AIDS that includes a regular schedule for conducting the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Survey (IBBS) among most at risk populations (MARPs). These surveillance studies at regular intervals help to assess health risk behaviors and measure the prevalence of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among MARPs and monitor trends in epidemic to inform the HIV response in Nepal. The IBBS is conducted by NCASC with technical and financial support from Family HealthInternational/Nepal and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The current MARPs for which information is collected through the IBBS include injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM). This report details the findings of the second round of the IBBS conducted among 300 male IDUs in the Western and the Far-Western Terai. The primary objective of the study was to collect strategic information needed toanalyze trend in risk behavior and HIV/STI infection among IDUs. The study was conducted among IDUs in seven districts (Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Banke, Bardia, Dang, Kailali and Kanchanpur, districts). Three hundred male IDUs were sampled using cluster sampling methodology. Structured questionnaires were used to collect behavioral data and information on STI/HIV/AIDS awareness among respondents. Study centers with laboratories/clinics were set up at easily accessible locations in all three districts. Pre-test counseling sessions were held before the clinical examination and blood sample collections. All the respondents werethen examined for STI identification and blood samples were collected for biological testing of HIV and syphilis infection. Study participants were provided syndromic treatment for STI symptoms if warranted. HIV and syphilis test results were provided later at locally established VCT centers. Posttest counseling was also provided at these sites by experienced counselors.