Abstracts Vol. 1 [International Conference on AIDS (11th: 1996: Vancouver, Canada)]

Tu.C.2626 - Tu.C.2630

Tuesday July 9, 1996

age at first visit, gender AIDS defining illness (if any), mode of HIV transmission first t
C)D4-+ (cell count, first visit CD8+ cell count and AIDS related deaths. A sample of prisoners
and non prisoners were selected and compared on hepatitis C and Tb status at fi st visit to
the chnic.
Results: Prisoners were not significantly different from non-prisoners with -'iard to,ge or
gender: IHowevec prisoners had significantly higher first visit CD4 count andfirst visit CD8
count Ihin non p isoners.The majority of prisoners (81.8%) had not had ar AIDS defining
illness.The miajor risk factor for HIV in the prisoner group was I.V. drug use (69. %) but in
the non prisoner group it was homosexual/bisexual sexual contact Also, only 3.6% of the
prisoners had died of AIDS related causes, while 24.6% of the non-prisoners had died of
AIDS. 64.3% (1 8/28) of the prisoners tested were positive for hepatitis C and 36.3%
(33/91I) of the non-prisoners tested were hep C positive. 17.5% of prisoners tested positive
forTb, compared to 2.12% of the non prisoners being positive forTh.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the prisoners treated at the CIOC are significantly different than non prisoners on several baseline characteristics and it appeared that
prisoners are being identified at an earlier stage of HIV infection than non-prisoners.
J.L Austlin, 617 2 Carlton St.,Toronto, Ontario, Canada. MSB IJ3 Telephone: [phone],
Fax: [phone]
Tu.C.2626
HIV PREVALENCE AND KNOWLEDGE,ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR OF PRINCE
EDWARD ISLAND ADDICTION PATIENTS
Van Til, Linda D, Sweet L. PEI Department of Health and Social Services, Charlottetown,
PEI, Canada
Objective:To determine the HIV status and behaviour of addiction patients in Prince
Edward Island (PEI).
Methods: All new admissions to PEI addiction facilities during 1994 were invited to parttcipate in a survey on knowledge, attitude and behaviour and an anonymous saiva test for
HIV I antibodies. 717 subjects participated (93% participation).
Results: No subjects had positive HIV tests (0/700). Most common HIV transmission misconceptions: 87%(624/717) considered oral sex to be a risk, kissing (24%), or nosquitoes
(1 9%). 23% (165) considered their behaviour high risk. Prevalence of risk behaviours:
16%(113) intravenous drug users, 15%(110) anal sex, 33%(236) multiple partners.
Risk Group Knowledge Attitude Behaviour
tru i 5' vsicrStr-ar Sr g IV (NS) beh ur high risk (NS
arr, It rovi-a sexi O" conside!tr th).l0 i do not use,cndor
HIV NS) ri ivi t hrikh N( N ) vit ranal r 5N, 9)/'Srvow c'v'rlal Sex cani 41% torslerO 8rC, do not tE-a condom
vpa, tr,' i-t! rnsn t ItV (NS) behiaviour hghr sk (NS) with vag a e (NS)
oit p r ' tt r )Srw et1i tA/ix(.- 7 % (orrnider)tiie 94% do not u e tcondom
(Stw,")Sritrv,,t "IV (N)) behwiou h i r with vagi n.
( S ir, In. - i 'i,', tr it!e rrt s trgnif<anrtly i,i ett r uo( hother (p-' 0.05)
Conclusions: The lack of positive HIV reactions is likely a reflection of the low HIV prevalence in the community of PEI. However, the prevalence of risk behaviours illustrates an
alarming potential for a rise in HIV prevalence. Also demonstrated is the poor progression
fron knowledge to attitude to behaviour change. In spite of high levels of knowledyge, only
half of high risk participants considered their behaviour high risk, and even fewer particpats actually protect themselves.
Dr. Linda Van -il, PEI Dept Health & Social Services, PC Box 2000, Charlottetown, PEI,
Canada CIA/7N8
Tu.C.2627
HIV AND HEPATITIS B SURVEILLANCE IN FIRST NATIONS ALCOHOL AND DRUG
TREATMENT CENTRES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Martir.D, athias, R.G. *. * Medical Services Branch, Health Canada, Vancouvet, B.C.; *
Univetsity of British Columbia,Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Objective: to provide ongoing surveillance on the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B in
First Nations alcohol and drug treatment centres in British Columbia
Methods: Since January 1992, male and female clients entering three alcohol and drug
treatment centres in British Columnbia have been given a workshop on HIV/AIDS and other
sexually transmitted diseases following which they are offered serology testing for HIV and
Hepatitis B. Pre- and post test counselling is provided to all those willing to be tested.
Results: As of June 30, 1995,933 individuals have been tested (497 nmales and 436 females
with an vetrage age of 33.7 years).There were 3 positive HIV results (one male and two
females), a combined rate of 3.2/ 1000. This compared with an expected rate of 4/ 1000 in a
population not selected for specifc risk factors. Similarly the rate of HB carriage is low (2 of
860 tested or 2. 1/1000) indicating a somewhat lower infection rate compared to the total
BC expected rate of 5/1000. Overall, the anti HBC rates (69 of 738 tested or 9.3/100) are
about the same as those expected for the total BC population.The anti HBs results (104 of
844 tested or 12.3/100) may indicate exposure to the virus or immunization.
Conclusion: This is the only ongoing surveillance program of this kind available to First
Nations in Canada. Being cognizant of the shortcomings of a voluntaty study of this kind,
and assurning that clients entering a!cohol and drug treatment centres are representative of
the on reserve population in general, this study would suggest that there is not an epidemic
of infeclion at this tre on First Nations reserves in British Columbia. Regardless, there is a
requirement to continue with educational progrars to alert reserve residents to the dangers of HIV transmssion.
Or) D. 'ar, M edcat Servicer Branch, He5ath Carads, 540 757 West Hastiags St,
Vanccouset, B C V6C 366 Telephone. [phone]SF Fax: [phone]
Tu.C.2628
ROUTE OF ENTRY INTO CELL BLOCK B

Ott Patri ia Vander VI et, B.A. Central Alberta AIDS Network

Issues: The comnrunitly development approach by ASO's is primarily the route of entry into
rural special popStor for integration of HIV and Harm Reduction education. An analysis
of this appro et c rton toi staff and prisoners in a rural provincial prison and a federal
prison has r itic-l rI catt ons for programs and evaluation.
Project: A three",er AC AP funded demonstration project beginning in 1994, was designed
to establish a' aout f entr iyto both provincial and federal prison systems to implement
Harm Reduction, HIV preyvrntion strategies and peer education.The primary target populations were prisoners and staff of a rural Federal Institution. Secondary target populations
include sex trade workers, nonprescription needle users, families and partners, Young
Offenders, street involved youth and adults, Remand Centre prisoners and staff and community medical/social agencies. Strategies included: participation and collaboration of the
target populations; designing surveys relevant to target populations; developing and timplementing peer education with staff prisoners and young offenders; developing volunteer
"workplace champions"; and peer training manuals, workshops, and creating and distributing
population specific resources. A critical component of the project is documenting ts
process, outcomes and practical implications for prison work by other ASO's.
Results: The community development approach produced significant differences in process
and outcomes. In relation to the primary population, workshops on harm reduction, eroticising safer sex, negotiation and HIV disease were developed and implemented.Workshops
were also held with Native and Inuit prisoners. In the Remand Centre, formal liaison with
health care staff, staff training, staff peer training (including volunteer workplace champions),
"in" and "out" packages for aboriginals, young offenders, women, men and staff, and exten
sive client care and support are all outcomes. One satellite initiative resulted in the production of a report to the Alberta Provincial Justice Department regarding Harrm and Risk
Reduction for halfway houses and provincial institutions.Week!y presentations to Young
Offenders have resulted in the production of peer education modules and a manual
Another satellite initiative resulted in workshops to rural sex trade workers and operators
as peer trainers and the initiation of steroid user peer trainers.
Lessons Learned: Community development constructs in establishing routes of entry and
programrnming determine success or resistance to community and ASO's participation in HIV
prevention education and Harm Reduction. Strong successes within the Alberta Provincial
Justice System are contrasted with limited successes and barriers in a rural Federal
Institution

Patricia Crr and Buzz Vander VIet Central Alberta AIDS Network 4935
Deer; AB T4N 2A8 Tel: (403) 346 - 8858 Fax: [phone]

Street, Red

Tu.C.2629
RISK FACTORS FOR HIV INFECTION IN STREET YOUTH (SY)
Roy Elise,~ Haley N,~ Boivin JF,~ Frappier JY,* Claessens C, Lemire N.~ ~D rectiorn de la
sante publique de Montreal;: *HOpital Ste-Just ne; Laboratoire de sante publicue du
Quebec.
Objectives: To estimate HIV prevalence and associated risk factors armong street youth
(SY).
Methods: In 1995. a one year cross-sectional anonymous study was conducted through the
20 major street youth agenaces in Montreal, Canada. All youths aged I 2 to 25 years (N=
929) and meeting specific criteria for itinerance were asked to participate in a structured
interview and provide a saliva sample OraSureTM. Univariate analyses and logistic regres
sion were conducted.
Results: Preliminary results on the first 641I subjects (mean age 19 years and 71 % male)
show that many SY have had high risk sexual partners: injection drug users (46%),
homo/bisexual male (It7%), male prostitutes (8%) and HIV+ partners (7%). More than a
quarter (28%) have engaged in prostitution. Alcohol and drug use (at least weekly) was
reported as follows: alcohol 46%, cannabis 54%, synthetic drugs 23%, cocaine 13%, heroine
9%, crack 7%. More than a Ithird (36%) have injected drugs with 60% of them injecting during the last 6 months. Over half of them have borrowed or lent needles. A total of 2.04%
are infected (CI 95% 1.14 -3.48) with a rate of 0.5% for female and 2.7% for male (p=0.08).
Univariate analyses show that HIV infection is associated with being more than 20 years old
p< 0.001, prostitution p< 0.01, crack use p< 0.01, having injected drugs p< 0.00 1, having
had a homo/bisexual partner p< 0.05, a male prostlute partner p< 0.05 or a HIV+ partaer p< 0.001, and being a male having sex with a male p< 0.05. In a multi varat e model
adjusting for age, sex and crack use, having injected drugs (OR 5.3 Cl 95% I.01-27.38) was
significantly associated with infection; the OR for prostitution was 3.3 (Cl 95% 0.98-I.2)
Conclusions: Injection drug use and prostitution are important risk factors for HIV infection
among SY in Montreal. Since most infected SY (12/13) were male, further analyses will be
conducted on the whole sample to determine the role of prostitution in HIV infection
among SY
E. Roy Rene Levesque Blvd.West, 3rd Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3H I P8 Canada.Tel: [phone] ext 4518; Fax: [phone]
Tu.C.2630
ABORIGINAL HIV/AIDS IN CANADA
Nguyen Ma, Archibald CRYan R Sutherland D. Bureau of HIV/AIDS & ST[D, Laboratory
Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada
Objective:To compare the HIV/AIDS epidemic among Canadian Aboriginals with nonAboriginals in Canada and Aboriginals in USA.
Methods: AIDS data are derived from the Canadian AIDS Case Reporting and Survellance
System. HIV data are estimated from incidence/prevalence studies among high risk populations with Aboriginal identifiers.American data are extracted from CDC HIV/AIDS
Surveillance Report to June 30, 1995.
Results:As of June 30, 1995, 11 485 AIDS cases were reported in Canada: 142 among
Aboriginals. Adjusting for reporting delay the number of Aboriginal AIDS cases by the end
of 1994 was estimated at I159 (I 5.9 per 100 000 Aboriginals). Of cases whose ethnic status
is known (40% were not recorded), the proportion of reported AIDS cases among
Aborginals has increased from 1.2% (before 1990)to 2.4% (1990-92) and 2.8% (1993 95).
The main exposure categories for Canadian Aboriginal men with AIDS were: men who
have sex with men (MSM) 72,3%, injection drug use (IDU) 6.5%, MSM/IDU I.4%, heterosexual contact 4.9%, and exposure to blood or blood products 1.6%. For Aboriginal
women, IDU 36.8%, heterocontact 26.3%, exposure to blood or blood products 2 I.0%,

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