Utilization of harm reduction among drug users in Namhkan township, Northern Shan, Myanmar

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the utilization of harm reduction services among injecting drug user in Namhkan township, Myanmar. The method used in this study was face to face interview to 223 injecting drug users which were chosen by inclusion criteria and systemic random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results, and logistic regression to find the related factors. Records from medical book and structured self-administered questionnaires developed by researcher will be used for data collection after translating it into Myanmar language. It includes (1) general characteristics, (2) predisposing factors, (3) reinforcing factors, (4) Enabling factors, (5) utilization of harm reduction. The result reveals that 74.4% of PWID utilize the harm reduction services in Namhkan township, Myanmar. Most of the respondents (68.2%) were in the age younger age group. The result from logistic regression showed that their knowledge of harm reduction services significantly associated with utilization of harm reduction services. Respondents who did not share the equipment utilized the services more than those who shared the equipment. IMPLICATION OF THE THEMATIC PAPER To be better in utilization of harm reduction of services, health education campaign on harm reduction services must be emphasized to make the better understanding of the services. From this campaign, the awareness about the services will increase and the sharing behavior of the PWID will be reduced. Advocate harm reduction principles in police service training curriculum to get positive and beneficial change in policing attitudes towards people who inject drugs.