Objective   To study the pattern of needle sharing and sex-related risk behaviors among drug users in Shenzhen.

  Methods   262 anonymous questionnaires from 300 drug users in a detoxification center in Shenzhen were completed (response rate=87.3%).

  Results   Approximately 76% of the respondents were injecting drug users(IDU)and 40% (18.3% of the female and 21.7% of the male respondent, respectively)shared needles with others(generally with spouse or friends).About 44% of the male and 57% of the female respondents(71.7% for female IDU)engaged in commercial sex during 6 months before admission.Only about 11% and 33% of these male and female respondents, respectively, consistently used condoms with their commercial sex partners.Very few of the respondents perceived any future chance of contracting HIV(about 11%)or sexually transmitted diseases(STD, 24%).Knowledge was significantly associated with needle sharing (OR=0.398), inclination to change future behaviors(OR=2.89)and insistent on condom use(OR=0.156).

  Conclusion   Drug users in Shenzhen were at a very high risk of contracting HIV as both needle sharing and unprotected commercial sex behaviors.The IDU with commercial sex was a priority target group for prevention.Harm reduction programs were urgently warranted.