HIV-TRANSMISSION KNOWLEDGE IN DRUG-USERS FROM OUTPATIENT FACILITIES IN SPAIN - A NATIONAL SURVEY

Knowledge of AIDS and its transmission was studied in patients undergo ing drug-dependence treatment for opiates and/or cocaine. The study ar ea included all of Spain and was carried out via a questionnaire asses sing information about risk practices, HIV serostatus, etc, and 13 tru e or false questions concerning HIV-transmission knowledge. The main p urpose of the present study was to analyse the relationship between th e level of information found in patients and factors potentially relat ed to it, including the practice of high-risk activities for HIV trans mission, the sources of information and behaviour modification. Findin gs indicate that poor information was associated with the use of non-s terile needles, anal-penis sexual relations, non-use of condoms, lack of preventive measures in daily cohabitation, and lack of previous dru g-dependence treatment. Determining factors of being well-informed wer e a high level of education, a longer duration of intravenous drug use , and contact with the Health Service as a source of information. Thes e findings partially support the need to implement programs aimed at i mproving knowledge about HIV in the population of drug users.