Integrated Bio-behavioral Survey (IBBS) among Male Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in the Eastern 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 Integrated Biological and Behavioral Survey (IBBS) that is conducted at regular intervals among most at risk populations(MARPs).These surveillance studies are aimed at assessing health risk behaviors and measuring the prevalence of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among MARPs as well as monitoring trends in epidemic to inform the HIV response in Nepal. The IBBS is conducted by NCASC with technical and financial support from Family Health International/Nepal and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The current MARPs included in this IBBS are injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM). This report details the findings of the third round of the IBBS conducted among 345 male IDUs in the Eastern Terai. The primary objective of the study was to collect strategic information to analyze trend in risk behavior and HIV and STIs among IDUs. The study was conducted among IDUs in three districts of Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari in the Eastern Terai.A total of 345 male IDUs were sampled using two stage 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 were then 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.