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Needle exchange program attendance and injection risk in Providence, Rhode Island
D Longshore1, R N Bluthenthal, M D Stein
1RAND Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, USA. DougLongshore@rand.org
Summary
Drug users attending needle exchange programs (NEPs) less frequently reported safer injection practices. Increased attendance at NEPs can reduce HIV transmission risks beyond just needle sharing.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Harm Reduction
Background:
- Needle sharing is a primary HIV transmission route.
- HIV is also detectable in injection supplies other than needles.
- Needle exchange programs (NEPs) aim to reduce HIV transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between frequency of attendance at a needle exchange program (NEP) and various injection risk behaviors.
- To identify if NEP attendance correlates with practices beyond needle sharing.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted in Providence, Rhode Island.
- Assessed frequency of NEP attendance.
- Measured injection risk indicators: needle sharing, cooker sharing, cotton filter sharing, skin cleaning, and bleach use.
Main Results:
- Less frequent NEP attendees were more likely to share needles.
- Less frequent attendees reported less frequent skin cleaning.
- Less frequent attendees were more likely to share cookers.
Conclusions:
- NEPs offer opportunities to promote broader risk reduction beyond needle sharing.
- Distributing supplies like alcohol swabs and cookers at NEPs is crucial.
- Strategies to increase NEP attendance, such as outreach and extended hours, are recommended.