ObjectiveTo investigate the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis infection among drug users in Baoshan District of Shanghai, so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of these communicable diseases among this population.

MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among the drug users who were newly admitted to the drug rehabilitation center as well as those recruited from local communities from 2010 to 2016 in Baoshan District.Fasting blood glucose samples were also used to test the antibodies against HIV, HCV, and Syphilis.

ResultsA total of 2, 803 drug users were enrolled in the past 7 years.Males accounted for 76.27%.Those aged from 21 to 40 years accounted for 51.80%.The seropositive rates of HIV, syphilis, and HCV in the drug users were 0.21%, 11.70%, and 42.78%, respectively.The knowledge rate of AIDS and the trend of using condom in commercial sexual activities kept increasing yearly in the 7 years (P < 0.05 for all).The prevalence of drug injection, monthly sexual activity and monthly commercial sexual activity kept decreasing (P < 0.05 for all).Multivariate non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that female drug users were at higher risk of being infected with syphilis than the males, while the use of condom was a protective factor.Drug injection was a risk factor for HCV infection.

ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HIV among drug users is relatively lower, however, the seroprevalence rates of HCV and syphilis maintained at high levels in Baoshan District from 2010 to 2016.The risk factors for HIV, HCV, and syphilis still exist, which need more effective prophylaxis for these communicable diseases among the specific population in the area.