PATTERNS OF HEROIN USE AND RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG PRISONERS IN COLOMBO,SRI LANKA

Abstract

Heroin is a highly addictive drug which affect a number of problems for users as well as society. However, there were no any recent data regarding heroin users among prisoner in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to identify the patterns of heroin use, risk behaviors and level of addiction among male prisoners in Sri Lanka. A face to face interview questionnaire was administrated purposively sampling among 334 heroin users aged 18 years and above. The average of age was 37.8 ± 6.1 while average age of heroin first used was 30.8 ± 4.2. Drug use was largely introduced from friends (86%) and peer pressure was the main reason to use heroin (93%). Smoking is the main route of administration (Almost 98%). Nearly 96% reported that they used every day. Only 5% reported drug overdose experience. Among them nearly 53% had two times of overdosing. Tobacco smoking and alcohol use were more prominent (62.6%, 76.3% respectively). There was a high prevalence (81%) of risk behavior with multiple partners. Tattoo making experienced was 37%. The majority (93%) had ever been arrested. Drug trafficking, heroin using and crimes were prominent reasons (55%, 9.4%, 8.7% respectively). Most heroin users were severely addictive (98%). It is essential for policy makers to provide prevention program and harm reduction for heroin use., overdose and risk behaviors among this group prior going out from the prison and living in the society.