RESUMEN
A Standardized questionnaire was administered to 198 new and 112 recurrent cases of intravenous drug users enrolled at the Drug Dependency Treatment and Research Unit in Yangon to elicit knowledge about, attitudes towards and practices on AIDS/HIV infection. The respondents were all males, with the mean age of 26 years among new and 28 years among recurrent cases. Over 90 Percent of both groups resided in Yangon City. Recurrent users had higher level of knowledge abot correct mode of transmission of HIV infection than new cases. For instance, over 73 Percent of recurrent and about 50 Percent of new cases knew that HIV infection could not be transmitted via air or drinking water. 93-97 Percent of recurrent patients believed that transmission of HIV infection was possible through blood, sexual contact or IV drug use against 85-92 Percent of new cases. Concerning drug suing and sexual behaviours, recurrent cases took more frequent injections per day, prefered to be alone during drug use, did not take more care in cleansing syringes and needles, but had lesser contact with sex workers than new ones. The findings are compared with those of similar studies in other risk groups. The implications of the study are discussed.