Effective use of naloxone among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan using pharmacy- and community-based distribution approaches.

BACKGROUND: Opioid overdose (OD) is a major cause of mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Central Asia, and distribution of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can effectively prevent these deaths. However, little is known about the use and wastage of distributed naloxone ampoules. Having reliable data on wastage rates is critical for accurately calculating the health impact of naloxone distribution projects targeting PWID. METHODS: In 2011, Population Services International (PSI) launched two pilot naloxone distribution programs in Kyrgyzstan (pharmacy-based approach) and Tajikistan (community-based approach). PWID were trained on OD prevention and naloxone use. Upon returning for more ampoules, the PWID completed a brief survey on their OD experience and naloxone use. 158 respondents in Kyrgyzstan and 59 in Tajikistan completed the questionnaire. Usage and wastage rates were calculated based on responses. A four-year model wastage rate that takes into account the shelf life of naloxone for both countries was then calculated. RESULTS: 51.3% of respondents in Kyrgyzstan and 91.5% in Tajikistan reported having ever experienced an OD. 82.9% of respondents in Kyrgyzstan and all respondents in Tajikistan had ever witnessed an OD. Out of these PWID who experienced or witnessed OD, 81.5% in Kyrgyzstan and 59.3% in Tajikistan reported having been injected with naloxone, and 83.2% in Kyrgyzstan and 50.9% in Tajikistan reported injecting another individual with naloxone. Of ampoules received, 46.5% in Kyrgyzstan and 78.1% in Tajikistan were used. In both countries, 3.1% of these ampoules were wasted. The four-year model wastage rates for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan were found to be 13.8% and 3.9% respectively. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that a high proportion of naloxone distributed to PWID is used in actual OD incidents, with low wastage rates in both countries. Expanding these distribution models can potentially create more positive health outcomes for PWID in Central Asia.

Couple-based HIV prevention for injecting drug users in Kazakhstan: a pilot intervention study.

This pilot randomized controlled trial in Kazakhstan aimed to adapt and test the feasibility of a couple-based HIV/STI risk-reduction intervention (CHSR) for couples who are injecting drug users (IDUs). The study examined the preliminary effects of the intervention versus an attentional control wellness promotion (WP) condition on HIV risk behavioral outcomes among 40 couples who are IDUs (n = 80 participants). Compared with WP participants, CHSR participants were significantly more likely to increase condom use and decrease unsafe injection acts at the 3-month follow-up. This pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility and preliminary effects of the CHSR in reducing drug-related and sexual HIV risks.