Illicit Drug Users in the Tanzanian Hinterland: Population Size Estimation Through Key Informant-Driven Hot Spot Mapping

Abstract

We mapped hot spots and estimated the numbers of people who use drugs (PWUD) and who inject drugs (PWID) in 12 regions of Tanzania. Primary (ie, current and past PWUD) and secondary (eg, police, service providers) key informants identified potential hot spots, which we visited to verify and count the number of PWUD and PWID present. Adjustments to counts and extrapolation to regional estimates were done by local experts through iterative rounds of discussion. Drug use, specifically cocaine and heroin, occurred in all regions. Tanga had the largest numbers of PWUD and PWID (5190 and 540, respectively), followed by Mwanza (3300 and 300, respectively). Findings highlight the need to strengthen awareness of drug use and develop prevention and harm reduction programs with broader reach in Tanzania. This exercise provides a foundation for understanding the extent and locations of drug use, a baseline for future size estimations, and a sampling frame for future research.

Hot Spot Mapping and Size Estimation of Illicit Drug Users in Iran: A Pilot Study

“…In this study, we used the key informant-driven mapping and enumeration approach (12) to describe the geographic distribution of illicit drug hotspots and estimating the number of PWUD and PWID and prevalence of related high risk behaviors in hotspots. This study conducted during December 2017 to January 2019.…”

“…A comprehensive practical protocol was developed based on the key informant-driven mapping and enumeration approach (12), which includes: a) primary assessments and determine the eld team members, primary and secondary key informants b) data collection methodology and data collection tools c) data synthesis, analysis and reporting the results. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Iran University of Medical Sciences.…”

“…Based on the report of Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME), there is estimated about 200, 000 to 230, 000 PWID in Iran and more than 65% of HIV identi ed cases was related to injection drug use (10,11). Accurate size estimation of illicit drug users can help in management of intervention and preventive plans, allocation of the resources and monitoring the interventions (12).…”

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Health Seeking Desires of Youth Involved in Substance Abuse in Kinondoni Municipality - Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

“…These have been in use for a long time. In recent years, new substances such as heroin, cocaine and valium are imported for consumption in the local market (Nchimbu, 2005). According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2003) Tanzania was ranked 6 th in world-wide record in 1997 with 2.7% of the total global seizure of herbal cannabis (Global illicit Drug Trends, 1999).…”

AIDS Prevention Research: Training and Mentoring the Next Generation of Investigators from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…In all, 18 papers are included from 14 different countries, encompassing sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Iran. Many of these articles are based on studies among hard-to-reach populations, including persons who inject drugs (2,3), female sex workers (4), and men who have sex with men and transgender women (5–7). Two articles from Jamaica address risk behaviors among under-age youth and the homeless (8,9).…”