Thesis (M.S.W.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 86-88). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Fishermen are a high-risk group for HIV, having higher HIV rates than typically high-risk groups like truck drivers and military personnel (Kissling, et al., 2005a). Despite this, fishing communities have consistently fallen through the net of HIV research initiatives and in Southeast Asia, there are few such projects targeting fishermen and their communities. In Malaysia, there is particular cause for concern as estimates suggest that fishing communities have an HIV prevalence rate 10 times that of the general population (Kissling, et al., 2005a). Although only 1.3% of the working population are employed in the fishing industry (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2005), fishermen constitute 3.8% of the total reported HIV cases in the country (Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2008). The dearth of research initiatives targeting HIV within Malaysian fishing communities, and the criminalization of drug users, more broadly, underscores the need for a greater understanding of why fishermen are at increased risk for HIV, but also what approaches might be most effective at curbing the HIV epidemic for these men. This research examines HIV among fishermen by focusing on the social drivers of drug use and drug-related risk behavior in this community. Drawing on theories of risk, this research employs an approach that situates HIV risk behavior within the larger social context. Specifically, I ask: what social factors support an environment conducive to risk behavior and the transmission of HIV among this population of fishermen? Using a mixed-methods approach, this dissertation examines multi-level determinants of HIV among fishermen in Malaysia, assessing how occupational characteristics, social networks, and conceptions of masculinity shape drug use and HIV risk behaviors. The focus on occupational characteristics contributes to the literature on occupational cultures and workplaces as sites for the production of health vulnerabilities, particularly HIV. The focus on masculinity speaks to the to need to better understand the cultural meanings and gender norms associated with HIV risk behaviors among men and the attention to social networks complements a growing body of research that recognizes the role of informal networks in amplifying or attenuating health-related risk. The data for this dissertation comes from Project WAVES, a study conducted by the University of Malaya in collaboration with the Social Intervention Group at Columbia University. The study was conducted in and around the Kuantan jetty, one of the busiest fishing jetties in the country, located in Pahang State on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The data consist of 28 in-depth semi-structured interviews with drug-using fishermen and survey data from 406 fishermen who were recruited using respondent-driven sampling. The findings of this research suggest that multilevel factors tied to occupational structure shaped drug use and risk behavior contexts. The mechanization of the fishing industry created shifts in the local labor market that shaped fishermen's daily work and lives. In this new occupational context, the social and economic organization of the occupation of fishing supported drug use in this community. In particular, boat captains loaned money to buy drugs and some supplied drugs for the purpose of work, which resulted in unsafe injection practices and more limited access to clean needles/syringes. The integration of drug use and drug users into the occupational culture of fishing also shaped social and drug-using networks. I find that multidimensional aspects of social network relationships, including social support, trust, participation, and isolation were significantly associated, both positively and negatively, with recent injection and sharing needles/syringes. The results also demonstrate connections between masculinity and injection-related HIV risk behavior. Of note, drug using men were marginalized in their communities and drug use posed a threat to masculinity as men who used drugs were seen as "less of a man" or lacking in "reason." When this marginalization was internalized, men were more likely to engage in receptive sharing of a needle/syringe. Collectively, these results indicate that occupational characteristics, networks and masculinity intersect in complex ways to increase drug use and HIV among fishermen in Kuantan. Although the findings highlight a number challenges to reducing HIV in this population, they also point to a number of possible interventions, which are discussed in the final chapter.

Conclusions. The "bridging effect" for HIV transmission is evident. Variables predicting condom use during commercial sex are multidimensional. Integrative programs are hence required. Methadone clinics may offer a platform for offering such services to IDU-FSWs. The performance of the TPB could be enhanced by addition of external variables; its applicability varies according to the wellbeing status of the IDU-FSWs. Future randomized control studies are warranted to design effective evidence-based programs targeting IDU-FSWs. / Introduction. Injecting drug users (IDUs) drive the HIV epidemic in China. Female injecting drug users who are sex workers (IDU-FSWs) is a strategic "bridge population" for HIV transmission from the IDU to non-IDU populations. Background characteristics, health behavioral theories (e.g. the Theory of Planned Behavior, TPB), drug dependence, economic pressure, psychological problems, social support and gender power are potential predictors of condom use during commercial sex among IDU-FSWs. Most of these associations have not been investigated in China or elsewhere, and the TPB has not been applied to HIV-vulnerable populations in China. A knowledge gap exists. / Objectives. This study validated two instruments measuring severity of drug dependence. The prevalence of inconsistent condom use among IDU-FSWs and its associations with the aforementioned variables were investigated. The hypotheses that different blocks of variables would have independent effects on condom use during commercial sex, and the effects of TPB-related variables on condom use would be moderated by some external variables (e.g. severity of drug dependence) were tested. / Results. The Opiate Addiction Severity Inventory-Revised (OASI-R) was fully validated in the Study I. Around 6.8% of IDU-FSWs were HIV positive and respectively 48% and 64% of them practiced needle sharing and unprotected commercial sex (last six months). After adjusting for significant background variables, the five TPB-related variables (AOR=0.43 to 1.92, p<0.001), severity of drug dependence (AOR=1.05, p<0.01), economic pressure (AOR=1.07, p<0.05) and all studied psychosocial variables (e.g. depression, social support and gender power; AOR=0.70 to 1.67, p<0.05) were significantly associated with condom use during commercial sex. / Subjects and methods. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted. In Study I, 178 non-institutionalized drug users were interviewed in Dazhou, Sichuan. In Study II, 281 non-institutionalized IDU-FSWs were interviewed in Dazhou, Sichuan and Hengyang, Hunan, using snowballing method and face-to-face interviews. Statistical methods such as hierarchical and interaction modeling, stratification analysis, ROC method were used in this study. / The final hierarchical model predicting condom use during commercial sex included variables coming from four blocks of independent variables, with ROC area = 94% and sensitivity/specificity = 0.84/0.91. A "Wellbeing Status Index" moderated the associations between some of the TPB-related variables and condom use during commercial sex. / Gu, Jing. / Adviser: Joseph T. F. Lau. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3462. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 228-246). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Li, Huizhen. / "March 2008." / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-150). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.ii / Acknowledgement --- p.vii / Abbreviations --- p.ix / Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- HIV and AIDS --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- HIV Transmission Routes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- HIV Related Risk Behaviors --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2 --- HIV Burden --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- HIV Infection in China --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- HIV Infection in Hong Kong --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Methadone Treatment in Hong Kong --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3 --- Objectives and Hypothesis --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4 --- Organization of This Thesis --- p.15 / Literature Review --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1 --- Search Methods --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Formulating Review Questions --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Search Strategy --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2 --- Assessing the Quality of Studies --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3 --- Search Results --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Descriptive Summary --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Critique of Reviewed Articles --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4 --- Implication on Planning of Current Study --- p.37 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Summary of Reviewed Articles --- p.37 / Methods for Exploring Predictors of HIV Risk --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1 --- Data Source --- p.42 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Data Management in Methadone Clinics --- p.42 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Source of Data --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2 --- Data Transformation --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3 --- Framework for assessing outcome --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Study population in different analyses --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Risk Score --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Independent Variables --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4 --- Generalized Linear Model --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5 --- Logistic Regression Model --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6 --- Multilevel Analyses --- p.55 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Variables --- p.56 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Definition of 'Neighborhood' --- p.56 / Chapter 3.6.3 --- Individual Variables --- p.60 / Chapter 3.6.4 --- Framework for Analyses --- p.60 / Chapter 3.7 --- Field Study --- p.63 / Results: Community Variation of HIV Risk --- p.65 / Chapter 4.1 --- Demographic Description --- p.67 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Age distribution --- p.67 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Gender Distribution --- p.68 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Proportion of New Admission --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2 --- Drug Taking Profile --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Heroin Use --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Injecting Heroin Users --- p.77 / Chapter 4.3 --- HIV related risk behaviors --- p.81 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Injection History --- p.81 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Risky Injection Practices --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Sexual Behaviors --- p.93 / Chapter 4.4 --- Correlation between Demographics and Risk Score --- p.94 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- General Linear Regression Model Coefficient --- p.94 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Risk Predictors in Logistic Regressions --- p.95 / Chapter 4.5 --- Neighborhood Effect --- p.100 / Chapter 4.6 --- On-site Observation --- p.103 / Chapter 4.6.1 --- Demographic Variations --- p.103 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- Drug Use Variations --- p.104 / Chapter 4.6.3 --- Social Background --- p.105 / Discussion --- p.111 / Chapter 5.1 --- Neighborhood Effect --- p.113 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Variation across Communities --- p.113 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Implication on Social Network of IDUs --- p.115 / Chapter 5.2 --- Decline of Admissions --- p.117 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Decrease of New Admissions --- p.117 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Decline of Readmission in 2003 --- p.119 / Chapter 5.3 --- Female IDU Population --- p.121 / Chapter 5.4 --- Limitations --- p.125 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Importance of Individual Level Variables and Community Level Variables --- p.125 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Reliability of Self-reported Data --- p.126 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Duplicates of Readmissions --- p.126 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Definition of Syringe Reuse --- p.127 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- Choice of Models --- p.129 / Conclusion and Future Directions --- p.131 / Chapter 6.1 --- Summary of Results --- p.133 / Chapter 6.2 --- Implication of results --- p.134 / Chapter 6.3 --- Future Directions --- p.136 / Bibliography --- p.139

The sharing of needles among injection drug users (IDUs) is a common route of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus transmission. Through the increased utilization of social network analysis, researchers have been able to examine how the interpersonal relationships of IDUs affect injection risk behaviour. This study involves a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of 156 IDUs from Winnipeg, Manitoba titled “Social Network Analysis of Injection Drug Users”. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the individual and the social network characteristics associated with needle sharing among the IDUs. Generalized Estimating Equations analysis was used to determine the injecting dyad characteristics which influence needle sharing behaviour between the IDUs and their injection drug using network members. The results revealed five key thematic findings that were significantly associated with needle sharing: (1) types of drug use, (2) socio-demographic status, (3) injecting in semi-public locations, (4) intimacy, and (5) social influence. The findings from this study suggest that comprehensive prevention approaches that target individuals and their network relationships may be necessary for sustainable reductions in needle sharing among IDUs. / February 2006

The sharing of needles among injection drug users (IDUs) is a common route of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus transmission. Through the increased utilization of social network analysis, researchers have been able to examine how the interpersonal relationships of IDUs affect injection risk behaviour. This study involves a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of 156 IDUs from Winnipeg, Manitoba titled “Social Network Analysis of Injection Drug Users”. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the individual and the social network characteristics associated with needle sharing among the IDUs. Generalized Estimating Equations analysis was used to determine the injecting dyad characteristics which influence needle sharing behaviour between the IDUs and their injection drug using network members. The results revealed five key thematic findings that were significantly associated with needle sharing: (1) types of drug use, (2) socio-demographic status, (3) injecting in semi-public locations, (4) intimacy, and (5) social influence. The findings from this study suggest that comprehensive prevention approaches that target individuals and their network relationships may be necessary for sustainable reductions in needle sharing among IDUs.

The sharing of needles among injection drug users (IDUs) is a common route of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus transmission. Through the increased utilization of social network analysis, researchers have been able to examine how the interpersonal relationships of IDUs affect injection risk behaviour. This study involves a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of 156 IDUs from Winnipeg, Manitoba titled “Social Network Analysis of Injection Drug Users”. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the individual and the social network characteristics associated with needle sharing among the IDUs. Generalized Estimating Equations analysis was used to determine the injecting dyad characteristics which influence needle sharing behaviour between the IDUs and their injection drug using network members. The results revealed five key thematic findings that were significantly associated with needle sharing: (1) types of drug use, (2) socio-demographic status, (3) injecting in semi-public locations, (4) intimacy, and (5) social influence. The findings from this study suggest that comprehensive prevention approaches that target individuals and their network relationships may be necessary for sustainable reductions in needle sharing among IDUs.

HCV genotype 6 is restricted in its distribution in South East Asia and it has been circulating for a long period of time. Phylogenetic and phylodynamic analysis on epidemic history of HCV focusing genotype 6 in South East Asia was explored, taking references from the pattern delineated in Liuzhou. Our results show that the date of most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of the whole HCV genotype 6 was estimated to be 100 years ago or more. There was an obvious increase of effective number of HCV genotype 6 infections in the part 20 years. Epidemic history of Subtype 6a and 6e/6d also showed the similar time course as that of the genotype 6. Interestingly, there was an increase of effective number of infections around 15-20 years ago which was maintained in the following decade for subtype 6a as well as 6e/6d. This specific pattern was consistent with the history of needle sharing in South East Asia, where the number of IDUs increased in the 1980s. The epidemic then spread to Southern China as evident by the increasing trend in Liuzhou. There was an exponential growth around 5 years ago involving subtype 6a predominantly, which might remain prevalent in Southern China in the coming decades. In conclusion, the study has shed new light on the transmission history of HCV, providing an explanation on the emergence of HCV genotype 6 in South East Asia. / HCV infection is an important public health problem associated with blood transfusion and needle-sharing in injection drug users (IDU) in Southern China. An understanding of the epidemiological pattern of the HCV infection, in conjunction with the transmission dynamics, would be beneficial for supporting effective prevention and control. This is accessed using a combination of molecular and public health approaches. / Through the Liuzhou Methadone Clinic, a total of 117 IDUs were recruited from Guangxi, Southern China. A majority of the IDUs (96%) were HCV antibody positive, of which 21% were HIV infected. Unlike HCV monoinfection, there was spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of HIV/HCV coinfection. The latter was also characterised by a higher prevalence of needle-sharing. Phylogenetic analysis of HCV revealed that genotype 6a was predominant in the study population. There were shorter genetic distances among the 6a samples compared to 3 other HCV genotypes/subtypes, 1a, 3a, and 3b. Our results suggested that HIV and HCV were both introduced at around the same time to the IDU populations in Southern China, followed by their differential spread as determined by the biologie characteristics of the virus and the intensity of behavioural risk. This pattern might be different from that in other South East Asian countries where HCV infections have probably predated HIV. / Tan, Yi. / Adviser: Kung Hsiang-fu. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3404. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 164-178). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

No description available.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the supply of markers for the identification of syringes distributed by pharmacy needle exchanges and to determine if this product and service delivery offers a feasible method of marking syringes to promote the reduction of accidental sharing of syringes and needles amongst injecting drug users (IDU) and thereby reduce the risk of transmission of blood borne viruses (BBVs) and other related infections. This study involves the assessment, implementation and evaluation of syringe markers as a pilot study within three community pharmacy sites in Glasgow. The secondary aims of the study were to identify whether the supply of syringe markers from community pharmacy needle exchanges was acceptable to IDU and if it enabled them to mark their syringes. The literature review demonstrates that providing a means of identification of personal injecting equipment has been proposed as a viable option that should be promoted to prevent the inadvertent accidental sharing of syringes within a group setting. Needle exchanges (NEX) are important component parts of the harm reduction responses designed to reduce the physical health harms caused to individuals through injecting drug use. The literature is reviewed on BBV transmission and the historical, legal and policy context associated with the development of NEXs. Community pharmacies act as a source of health advice and can help to facilitate access to treatment services for those attending the NEX. However the specific aim of this study is not to investigate the totality of the benefits of a NEX but to examine the supply of a potential means of reducing accidental and unintentional sharing of all injecting equipment and thereby contribute to minimising some of the health harms linked to injecting drug use. Three established community pharmacies were identified as suitable sites to pilot the supply of syringe markers. A number of criteria were used to select the sites. These included an assessment of the geographic locations, staffing arrangements, NEX attendances and transactional activity and the availability of private consultation facilities. The health board central database which holds records on a range of factors including, the characteristics of those who attend NEX and detailed information on all transactions, was used to identify the most suitable sites to pilot the new intervention. This indicated that the characteristics of those who attended the three chosen sites were broadly similar to the wider NEX attending population. The evaluation was conducted in two separate periods. The first 4 week period was the supply phase where markers were distributed over this period to all patients receiving NEX packs from the 3 pharmacies. The second data collection phase was undertaken in the following 4 week period. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire. In order to reduce the potential interviewer bias it was decided to incorporate the use of peer researchers in the administration of the questionnaire. The Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) was approached and agreement was reached to use members of the Service User Involvement Group (SUIG) to assist with the design and administration of the questionnaire. A submission was made to the health board Research Ethics Committee (REC) and approval was given to enable the study and the research evaluation to proceed. Before the start of the study, joint briefing and training sessions were held for pharmacy staff from the 3 sites and the 6 participating SUIG members. A total of 177 questionnaires were completed during the second data collection phase of the evaluation. Information was collected on personal details and injecting behaviours (including deliberate and accidental sharing), any current means of syringe identification, use of the markers and on the usefulness of the instruction card. Most individuals (75%, n=132) had been supplied with the markers to trial during the first supply phase of the study with 63% of the 132 (n=83) of those individuals reporting use of the markers. The results of the evaluation and subsequent analysis of the findings indicated that the syringe marker supply could be successfully implemented using pharmacy NEXs. The product and the supply method were acceptable to both staff and service users. Initial bivariate analysis was conducted using a number of dependent and independent variables identified within the questionnaire. These findings highlighted a number of areas worthy of further exploration, including emerging differences between male and female respondents, and indicated specific target groups for future developments in syringe identification. The contribution of the peer researchers was found to be a significant factor in successfully completing the evaluation. However it is not possible to make any definitive statements on how effective the intervention is in terms of reducing the transmission of BBVs and other related infections. The findings of the evaluation indicated a number of potential areas of work that could be usefully explored to investigate the effectiveness of the markers in reducing the transmission of infections. The limitations of the evaluation became apparent during the course of the study and the implications of these limitations are discussed.