Abstract
The HIV epidemic in Estonia is rapidly expanding, and injection drug users (IDUs) are the major risk group contributing to the expansion. A convenience sample of 159 IDUs visiting syringe-exchange programmes (SEPs) was selected to quantify the association of HIV-risk behaviours and blood-borne infections. A high prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B core antibody (HBVcore), hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibodies (56, 85.1, 21.3, and 96.2%, respectively) was associated with high-risk injections, unsafe sexual behaviour and alcohol abuse. These findings emphasize the importance of evidence-based secondary prevention among the HIV-infected, especially given the uncertain sustainability of antiretroviral and substance abuse treatments.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control
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Estonia / epidemiology
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Female
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HIV / isolation & purification
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HIV Infections / blood
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HIV Infections / epidemiology*
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HIV Infections / transmission
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Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
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Hepatitis B / blood
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Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
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Hepatitis B / transmission
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Hepatitis B virus / isolation & purification
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Hepatitis C / blood
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Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
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Hepatitis C / transmission
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Humans
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Male
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Needle-Exchange Programs
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Prevalence
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Risk-Taking*
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Substance Abuse, Intravenous / blood
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Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology
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Substance Abuse, Intravenous / virology*
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Surveys and Questionnaires