Perceived barriers to safe-injection practices among drug injectors who remain HCV-negative

Fifty-nine hepatitis C (HCV) seronegative drug injectors (IDUs) were interviewed regarding their injection equipment sharing behaviors. Participants were 75% male, 66% Caucasian, had injected an average of nine years, and were very knowledgeable about HCV transmission risk. One-third used needles or works after another injector within the past six months. Lower perceived personal risk and lower perceived availability of clean needles were significantly associated with sharing. Injectors were more likely to share when emotionally upset or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Despite, or perhaps because of, their HCV seronegative status, IDUs continue to share. Tailoring messages to modifiable perceptions of risk may be useful in reducing continued drug equipment sharing.