Characterising people who inject drugs, and association with HIV infection

A situation analysis in Kampala City, Uganda

Bibliographic Data

ID19594144
AuthorsPeter Mudiope (0000-0002-0727-3322, Makerere University, corresponding author), Bradley Mathers (UNSW Sydney, corresponding author), Joanita Nangendo (0000-0002-0458-2111, Makerere University, corresponding author), Samuel Jefferson Mutyaba (Makerere University, corresponding author), Samuel Mutyaba (0009-0003-5792-3447), Byamah Brian Mutamba (0000-0002-9430-443X, Butabika Hospital, corresponding author), Stella Alamo (0000-0003-4404-1181, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, corresponding author), Nicholus Nanyenya (Makerere University, corresponding author), Fredrick Makumbi (0000-0002-6460-7325, Makerere University, corresponding author), Miriam Laker-Oketta, Miriam Laker‐Oketta (0000-0002-6974-9437, Infectious Diseases Institute, corresponding author), Rhoda Wanyenze, Rhoda K Wanyenze (0000-0001-5864-3314, Makerere University, corresponding author)
EditorsAbraham D Flaxman (0000-0001-6033-4713)
Year2025
Volume5
Issue2
Pagese0003370
Publication date2025-02-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0003370
PMID40009634
OpenAlexW4407951998
LanguageEN
References cited27

Uganda implements interventions for injection drug use, but significant barriers hinder efforts to effectively reach and support persons who inject drugs (PWID). We describe characteristics of PWID, and associated risk behaviour, to inform the designing of programmes that are tailored to clients’ needs and preferences. A cross-sectional survey (August 23 rd to December 5 th , 2023) in Kampala interviewed 354 PWID (≥18-years) at selected venues(bars,lodges, street corners and ghetto). Peer eductors and counsellors administered a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics, drug use, sexual risk, and medical history. HIV serostatus was determined by self-report or testing for consenting participants without history of recent testing Binary logistic regression was used to establish the relationship between HIV infection and risky drug- and sexual behaviour of PWID. Participants were predominantly Ugandan (95.2%), male (73.2%), unmarried (55.9%), unemployed (81.8%), with higher levels of education and varying ages. Mental disorders were prevalent, with 48.7% reporting at least one underlying condition, including depression (30.8%) and anxiety (9.6%). Physical health issues included fever (32.9%), cough (32.5%), malaria (22%), and sexually transmitted infections (15%). Over 82.6% were introduced to drugs by close acquaintances. HIV prevalence among participants was 3.7%, higher in females (8.4%) and non-Ugandans (16.7%). Being female and experiencing difficulty accessing sterile injection materials were associated with HIV-positive status. Our study provides valuable insight into the socio-demographic, mental, physical health, and HIV risk behaviour of PWID in Kampala, Uganda. The findings indicate significant vulnerabilities to injecting drug use, mental disorders, and high-risk behaviors that predispose this population to HIV infection. Despite a low HIV prevalence in this population compared to previous estimates, the interplay between drug use, risky injecting practices, and sexual behaviour suggests an urgent need for targeted interventions to address these intertwined challenges

Anxiety · Drug · Environmental health · Family medicine · Heroin · Logistic regression · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Serostatus · Demography · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Sex work and related issues · Internal Medicine