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- Title
Syringe acquisition, peer exchange and HIV risk.
- Authors
Strike, Carol; Cavalieri, Walter; Bright, Robert; Myers, Ted; Calzavara, Liviana; Millson, Margaret
- Abstract
To explore syringe access patterns and implications for HIV prevention programming, data from qualitative interviews (n=120) with injection drug users (IDU) and an evaluation of a satellite syringe-exchange program (SEP) were used. Three patterns were identified: IDUs who stockpile supplies to meet their own needs and to provide secondary distribution to friends and drug-using associates; IDUs who keep a several-days supply of syringes available, primarily for their own use; and IDUs who usually obtain equipment at the time of obtaining drugs, in some cases unsterile equipment from other injectors. The first two types of injectors are typically in stable housing, while the last group are generally in unstable housing. This analysis highlights the very direct link between adequate housing and safer injection practices for HIV prevention, and points to the need to advocate more broadly on behalf of IDUs for appropriate housing, harm-reduction and social services.
- Subjects
AIDS; SYRINGES; COMMUNICABLE diseases; INTRAVENOUS drug abusers; DRUG abuse; SOCIAL services
- Publication
Contemporary Drug Problems, 2005, Vol 32, Issue 2, p319
- ISSN
0091-4509
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/009145090503200207