Knowledge of HIV seropositivity is a predictor for initiation of illicit drug use: Incidence of drug use initiation among female sex workers in a high HIV-prevalence area of China

Being HIV-positive and aware of positive serostatus was the most salient predictor for the initiation of illicit drug use. Interventions offering sources of education, treatment, support, and counseling to HIV-positive FSWs need to be implemented in order to help promote self-efficacy and safe behaviors among this group of high-risk women.