NCJ Number
208723
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 63-76
Date Published
2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined changes in the drug injection equipment sharing behavior of injection drug users in the mid-1990's.
Abstract
The mid-1990's were a time of increasing awareness of HIV transmission; prevention programs proliferated in most areas of the country. The current study sought to document any changes occurring in the injection paraphernalia sharing behavior of injection drug users recruited from the streets of Chicago. Participants were 794 injection drug users (IDU's) who were first interviewed in 1994, and were subsequently interviewed at 6 months and 12 months following first contact. Participants were exposed to HIV prevention programming at the storefront offices of the interview sites. Results of random-effects, pattern mixture logistics regression models indicated significant decreases in five forms of sharing practices. At the first interview, 45.7 percent of participants reported receptive syringe sharing, the riskiest of all sharing behavior, while follow-up data demonstrated significant reductions in receptive syringe sharing, especially. Participation in syringe exchange programs was associated with decreases in receptive syringe sharing. Future research should explore innovative strategies for reducing other injection paraphernalia sharing behavior. Tables, figure, references