NCJ Number
217695
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 41 Issue: 14 Dated: 2006 Pages: 1991-2001
Date Published
2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between Needle Exchange Program (NEP) utilization and treatment entry in Baltimore, MD.
Abstract
Results of the study indicate that drug injectors who enter treatment differ from injectors who do not enter treatment. Specifically, injectors who enrolled in a treatment program were more likely to be female, HIV positive, employed, have a history of mental illness, and report using the Baltimore City Needle Exchange Program (NEP). Evidence shows that NEPs may play an important role in linking drug users to treatment. It was found that within more than a year after baseline assessment, injectors who utilized the NEPs were more likely to enter treatment. The results revealed a significant relationship between entering treatment and being HIV positive. HIV and drug abuse are major public health problems in urban communities throughout the Unites States, as well as other countries. Two effective strategies to reduce these problems are needle exchange programs and drug user treatment. Utilizing participants recruited through street outreach in areas with high drug activity, this study examined factors associated with treatment entry at follow-up assessment. The interest was in assessing the role of NEPs in treatment entry among injectors living in Baltimore, MD. It was hypothesized that injection drug users who attended the NEP would have more familiarity and comfort with social services and hence be more likely to enter treatment during the follow-up assessment. Tables, references