Justification. With the spread of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens among injection drug users (IDUs), harm reduction initiatives, such as needle-exchange programs (NEPs), have been implemented. Objectives. This study examines the characteristics and risk behaviors of young (ages 18-30) IDUs who use NEPs in Chicago. Methods. Subjects were 700 street-recruited IDUs in Chicago and its suburbs. The majority was white (58%) and male (65%). Results. Nearly 40% resided in the suburbs. Results showed that 40% of subjects used NEPs in the past 6 months. Overall, 27% of subjects obtained at least half of their needles from NEPs. Compared to non-users of NEPs, users tended to be older than 20, white and Hispanic, and not living with their parents. In multivariate models, NEP use was associated with daily injection (OR=2.1 [95% CI=1.4-3.1]). However, NEP users were less likely than non-users to share needles (OR=0.4 [95% CI=0.2-0.6]) and other injection equipment (OR=0.6 [95% CI=0.4-0.9]), and were more likely to always use condoms with their regular partners (OR=2.3 [95% CI=1.4-3.8]). Significance. These results suggest that NEPs are not widely used among young IDUs. But for the substantial minority who do use them, NEP use does appear to reduce risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens by reducing risky behaviors. Evidence that frequent NEP use is associated with frequent injection is supported by other studies showing that NEPs attract heavy or "hard-core" injectors. Reduced needle-sharing and increased condom use within this "hard-core" group of youth supports the effectiveness of NEP as a harm reduction strategy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should gain knowledge of ways in which young and new injection drug users can minimize their risks for HIV and HCV infection
Keywords: Injection Drug Users, Needle Exchange
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Community Outreach Intervention Projects
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.