[The prevalence of the intravenous use of psychoactive preparations in Nizhegorod Province and the possible ways to prevent HIV infection among the users].

The number of users of intravenous drugs (UID), altogether from 35,000 to 25,000 persons, was determined by the method of coefficients. The analysis of 130 anonymous questionnaires, including 75 street questionnaires (61%) and 51 questionnaires (39%) distributed among UID in narcological and infectious hospitals showed that out of 130 respondents 60% underwent hospital treatment. The study revealed that most of the questioned users used crudely made opiates, 48 (37%) out of 130 persons made injections with used syringes and needles (in younger age groups the proportion of such UID amounted to 63%). 70% of the respondents used individual injection instruments (in a group of persons older than 25 years they amounted to 90%). The conclusion was made on the necessity of introducing a school program on the healthy mode of life and information programs on the prevention of the spread of infection among UID with due regard to different age groups, as well as training outreach workers for disseminating information on the prophylaxis of HIV infection among UID.