Risk behaviours and comprehension among intravenous drug users volunteered for HIV vaccine trial.

Out of 91 volunteers enrolled for the HIV vaccine trial, only 33 volunteers were eligible for vaccination. Of 33 volunteers recruited, 59 per cent of them had incomes of more than 5,000 Baht/ month. The median duration of drug addicts was 15 years (range 1-26 years) and 42 per cent never used condoms during sexual intercourse. As far as consent comprehension was concerned, all of them understood.

Narcotic epidemic in heroin users attending the narcotic clinic No.6, Bangkok (2nd section).

Survey of 200 heroin users in the Narcotic Clinic and from the data collected from the patients, records to study the epidemiology of heroin addiction reveals that 51.1% of the users were employed during initial application of the drug. Drivers of taxis, buses and trucks, and construction employees were more involved than those from other occupations. During first use 21.5% of the users were students. Most began to use heroin in school. The remainder of the group came from the unemployed. Heroin was first introduced to them 48.2% by neighbours. The major cause (30.2%) of heroin use was due to trial by curiosity. 6.3% of the users started using heroin because heroin were seen widely sold, especially in slums. 31.5% of the beginners had no knowledge of drug addiction. 44.6% of those who had knowledge, gained it from mass media and from other members in the family.