Socio-economic issues: Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and Razor Blade Users (RBUs) and Hotspots, in a squatter settlement of Karachi, Pakistan

Globally the use of injecting drug has led to colossal outburst of HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs), and their family. In Pakistan, according to a UNAIDS study, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the men and... [ view full abstract ]

Globally the use of injecting drug has led to colossal outburst of HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs), and their family.

In Pakistan, according to a UNAIDS study, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the men and women of age 15 to 24 years is about 0.1 %.

This study was conducted in 2012 to estimate the numbers of IDU/razor blade users (RBUs) and of hotspots and to determine the socio-economic factors behind the narcotic use.

Geographic mapping (GM) approach in each sector of the site was used to estimate the size of IDUs/RBUs population, at a squatter settlement in Karachi. The key informants (KI) were interviewed to identify hotspots and to determine number of IDUs/RBUs at each hotspot. The KIs were categorized into primary (IDUs/RBUs), secondary (intimately acquainted with IDU/RBU) and were supporting them. All others were classified as tertiary KIs.

In step I, initial estimates of hotspots and IDUs/RBUs were drawn. During step 2, the hotpots were visited to interview IDUs/RBUs, validate spots and estimates. The step 1 and 2 data were collated for the final estimates.

Study results reveals that the estimated IDUs were 410 and RBUs were 70 . Sectors 5 and 2 were ranked highest in terms of number of spots, IDU population and average IDU per spot. In contrast, RBUs were concentrated most in sector 2 and 3. Majority of the KIs were illiterate (8.1%), 80.2% were unskilled labor..

Due to illiteracy and poverty the people were more exposed to social and economical problems and majority found indulged to narcotic use. Awareness raising , proper policy development, good governance system and socio-economical uplifting measures are required to overcome the problem.

Key words: HIV, IDUs, razor blade, hotspots, transmission, squatter settlement, illiteracy, poverty