[HIV prevalence among injecting drug users in South Limburg, 1994-1998/1999: increasing trend in Heerlen, not in Maastricht].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of HIV infection and gain insights into the risk behaviour among injecting drug users (IDU) in Heerlen and Maastricht, the Netherlands.

DESIGN

Descriptive inventory.

METHOD: In 1994, 1996 and 1998/1999 a questionnaire on risk behaviour was obtained from 866 IDUs in Heerlen and Maastricht, and 858 saliva and serum samples were also obtained for testing on HIV antibodies.

RESULTS

In the total region of Heerlen and Maastricht, no significant change in HIV prevalence was found (1994: 10%, 1996: 12%, 1998/1999: 14%). However, in Heerlen the HIV prevalence was demonstrated to have increased significantly (1994: 11%, 1996: 16%, 1998/1999: 22%), whereas in Maastricht HIV prevalence was constant (1998/1999: 5%). The percentage of participants that injected drugs in the six months preceding the survey decreased from 80% in 1994 to 63% in 1998/1999. Injection-related risk behaviour slightly decreased: in 1998/1999 14% of the participants had borrowed used syringes or needles in the last 6 months. Additionally, inconsistent condom use with steady and casual sexual partners was reported. Of the participants, 86-89% did not always use condoms with steady partners and 49% with casual partners.

DISCUSSION: In view of the increasing HIV prevalence among IDUs in Heerlen, the persistent injecting and sexual risk behaviour and the large number of IDUs who have sexual contact with non-users in Heerlen and Maastricht, there is a substantial risk of HIV transmission both within the IDU community and to the general population.