Perceptions of HIV Risk among Methamphetamine Users in China

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine use has emerged in China over the past decade. With the growth in methamphetamine use, it remains uncertain how users in China perceive its association with the HIV epidemic. Methods: The authors utilize qualitative and survey data from a mixed-methods study on methamphetamine use and HIV risk in China to assess the extent to which users perceive a risk for HIV transmission as well as how they conceive of the drug’s links to HIV. Results: Data indicate that a considerable majority (82.2%) perceived themselves to have zero risk for HIV infection. Qualitative interviews highlight the lack of information about HIV possessed by methamphetamine users given the confusion and disbelief often expressed. Others acknowledged that while there was an intertwining of risk, they were not personally at risk. Conclusion: Given the known association between methamphetamine use and HIV risk, health promotion initiatives in China should target methamphetamine users to build HIV-related knowledge and inhibit self-exempting beliefs. In particular, educational efforts regarding the association of methamphetamine use with HIV may inhibit risk behaviors.

• methamphetamine
• HIV
• China
• perceived risk

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Grant #R21DA026772) and Program Official Peter Hartsock. The views in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the National Institute on Drug Abuse or any other governing agency. The authors also credit members of the research team at Central South University as well as Rong Fu and Yosef Yang at Purdue University.