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Gender differences in syringe exchange program use in Oslo, Norway.
1Division of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. mm35.columbia.edu
Addiction (Abingdon, England)
|January 11, 2002
Summary
Injection frequency, not gender, drives frequent syringe exchange program (SEP) use. Women may still face barriers to obtaining sterile syringes, highlighting ongoing public health needs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Harm Reduction
Background:
- Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) are crucial for reducing HIV transmission among people who inject drugs.
- Understanding factors influencing SEP utilization, particularly frequent use, is essential for optimizing harm reduction strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-specific differences in syringe exchange program (SEP) utilization, focusing on frequent use patterns.
- To identify correlates of frequent SEP engagement among participants in Oslo, Norway.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous, cross-sectional surveys were conducted with 288 (1992), 449 (1994), and 523 (1997) participants at an Oslo SEP.
- Data were collected via structured questionnaires on SEP use, HIV risk behaviors, and self-reported HIV status.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression to assess gender differences and predictors of frequent SEP use.
Main Results:
- Women reported higher injection frequency than men, but no significant gender differences were found in overall SEP use or syringe acquisition.
- Frequent syringe injection was the strongest predictor of frequent SEP use for both women (OR=1.4) and men (OR=1.5).
- Lack of income/benefits increased frequent SEP use likelihood (OR=3.0), while syringe sharing at last injection decreased it (OR=0.5). HIV prevalence remained low (3-5%).
Conclusions:
- Frequent syringe exchange program (SEP) use is primarily associated with injection frequency, not gender.
- Despite a well-utilized SEP, women's needs for sterile syringes may not be fully met, indicating potential gaps in access or service delivery.
- Harm reduction efforts should consider injection frequency as a key factor in SEP engagement and address socioeconomic determinants impacting program utilization.