Introduction In Myanmar, People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) has the highest HIV prevalence of 18.7% in comparing to other key population. Establishment of drop-in-centre (DIC) and provision of services has been proved as successful intervention for key population. An assessment was conducted to determine the knowledge on sexually transmitted infections (STI)/HIV and utilisation of drop-in-centres among drug users after the establishment of DIC and out-reach activities.

Methods A community-based, post-intervention assessment was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods in underserved areas of north-western border in Myanmar.

Results A total of 202 drug users, 156 PWIDs and 46 People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs), were included in the study. Their age ranged from ranged from 18 to 60 years with the mean age of 34.9±8.2 years. Regarding STI knowledge, no one sought to treat STD at the beginning of the intervention but 4% of drug users searched for the treatment at the end. Over 25% knew at least one symptom of STI in men while only 15.3% recognised at least one symptom in women. Knowledge on higher risk of blood borne infections such as Hepatitis B (25% vs. 51%, p<0.1), Hepatitis C (8% vs. 13%, p<0.05) was improved in comparing to pre-intervention. HIV testing rate within six months was also increased from 10% to 74% (p<0.001). Regarding sexual behaviours, percent of drug users who had sex with paid sex partner and who had more than one sexual partner within 6 months were significantly reduced (11% vs. 0.5%, p<0.05; 11% vs. 1%, p<0.05). Regarding drop in centre (DIC), more drug users were aware of DIC (54% vs. 91%, p<0.01) and ever visited there (22% vs. 76%, p<0.01). Almost all of them (94%) ever received DIC services consisted of HIV testing and counselling (47%) and health education service (68%). Nearly half of them (46%) received outreach services and mobile HIV testing covered about 16%.

Conclusion Improvement in knowledge and behaviour regarding STI/HIV and DIC utilisation were seen among the drug users after the intervention.