Syringe-mediated HIV and hepatitis infection rates remain extraordinarily high in many places throughout the U.S. and across the globe. In the northeastern United States, upwards of 60% of all AIDS and hepatitis cases are attributed to injection drug use. Variation across cities throughout the U.S., however, indicates that local contextual factors significantly alter risk. Furthermore, micro-social factors, at the neighborhood level, appear to significantly impact the complexion of blood-borne disease transmission. The availability and locations of syringe exchange programs (SEPs), pharmacies that sell over-the-counter-syringes, underground street syringe sellers, diabetics, AIDS prevention programs and social service agencies influence syringe acquisition, use and discard substantially and can be correlated to HIV and hepatitis risk. Social practices and legal policies at the neighborhood, city and state level also influence incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Two large studies, utilizing ethnographic, epidemiologic and serological techniques, have probed the intricate behaviors and social contexts surrounding injection drug use at the neighborhood and city level in Hartford, CT, New Haven, CT, Springfield, MA, Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA. Our multidisciplinary team of anthropologists, epidemiologists, psychologists and harm reduction specialists will present recent findings that demonstrate inter-city and inter- and intra-neighborhood fluctuations in viral transmission risk related to syringe acquisition, use and disposal. Ethnic and racial differences in indigenous prevention and harm reduction efforts will be explored. Street syringe sellers, who sell significant numbers of syringes in some study neighborhoods, will also be discussed. Finally, suggestions for improved HIV and hepatitis prevention efforts will be presented. See www.hispanichealth.com
Learning Objectives: In attending this panel, participants will: 1) Gain knowledge about contextual risk factors that influence HIV and hepatitis transmission rates among injection drug users (IDUs) across the country. 2) Learn about ethnographic, epidemiologic and serological techniques utilized to discern syringe and injection equipment-mediated risks and the variation that is present on a micro-social level – from neighborhood to neighborhood. 3) Obtain strategies that can assist in reducing HIV and hepatitis risk in cities throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Injection Drug Users
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Hispanic Health Council, Hartford, CT
Yale University, School of Med., Dept. of Epi. and Public Health, New Haven, CT
UMass School of Public Health, Amherst, MA
Springfield Southwest Community Health Center
New North Citizens' Council,
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.