Rapid situational assessment of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Nairobi and coastal regions of Kenya: a respondent driven sampling survey

Abstract Background A Cross-sectional Rapid Situational Assessment of People Who Inject Drug (PWIDs) applying Respondent Driven sampling techniques (RDS) was used to recruit subjects/participants in a study aimed at assessing HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among injecting drug users Nairobi Coastal regions Kenya. There is paucity data information on use sub-Saharan Africa there sufficient evidence existence the environment for development growth use. Past studies PWID its association AIDS that have been conducted Kenya do not provide support effective planning comprehensive national response epidemic. Methods cross-sectional design adopted which set initial subjects referred as ‘seeds’ were first identified from an expanding chain referrals obtained, with each wave referring subsequent waves. The seeds drawn randomly population interviewed pick one largest network other unique characteristics. maximum twelve recruited. second stage involved conducting assessment visits sites identify potential collaborators included non-governmental organizations (NGOs), treatment centres, health facilities, community based (CBO’s) others. Three NGOs located coast region assist identifying injection locations participants. Key informant interviews (KIIs) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) also using interview guides. Results total 646 individuals (344 302 coast) recruited between January March 2010. Of these 590 (91%) male 56 (9%) female. Findings showed most PWIDs initiated ages 20–29 years, youngest age initiation being 11 years oldest 53 years. Most commonly injected heroin (98%), small (2%) percentage cocaine. Other non-injecting methods such smoking or combining two drugs cannabis Rohypnol common. substances (cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis) before initiating adjusted 18.3% (19.62% unadjusted) registering 18.33% (20.58% compared indicating 18.27% (18.59% - unadjusted). gender women more acquiring (44.51%-adjusted) men (15.97%-adjusted). specific who 11–19 (44.7% adjusted) those 20–24 (23.2% coastal region. While all continue be regions, Western parts Nairobi, relatively higher given their increased propensity sharing equipment solutions. Conclusions Compared (4.9%), results show Drugs are particularly high infection urgent need intervention (KenPHIA, 2018). This clear 70% primary school educated, engage sexual comprising equipment, unprotected heterosexual homosexual sex. Given begins early peaks after formal (20–29 years), prevention programmes should targeted secondary students, college out youth. Further, protect inject infection, country introduce free Needle Syringe Programs (NSP) provision condoms Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) substitute