 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Michele M. Wood, MS, Jennifer A. Klahn, MA, Michael A. Janson, BA, Grace L. Reynolds, DPA(c), and Dennis G. Fisher, PhD. Center for Behavioral Research & Services, California State University, Long Beach, 1090 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813, (562) 495-2330, ext. 111, mmwood@csulb.edu
INTRODUCTION: A pilot study is being conducted to inform needle exchange program (NEP) development in Long Beach, CA. METHODS: 80 participants (36% Black, 36% White, 24% Hispanic, 4% Other; M age=45.37 years, SD=9.54) were sampled from a pool of IDUs who participated in an earlier study where IDU status was confirmed through urine testing or track mark inspection. RESULTS: 15% of participants were on local pharmacy regular customer lists. 61% had purchased/obtained syringes from someone with a prescription in the past 6 months, while only 6% had purchased or attempted to purchase a NS from a pharmacy/other business. Usual syringe sources included a diabetic acquaintance (48%), neighbors/friends (26%), street dealers (17%), family member (5%), NEP (3%), and pharmacies (1%); only 13% had ever gotten needles from an NEP. 29% had used a syringe that had been used by someone else (past 30 days). 12% had been arrested or hassled by police for carrying a needle or syringe (past 6 months). Being “hassled” by police was the primary concern regarding NEP participation (56%), followed by not trusting NEP staff (44%), and being seen by acquaintances (13%). Participants held positive attitudes toward needle exchange: M=4.58, SD=1.04, 1=bad for drug users, 5=good for drug users; M=3.98, SD=1.46, 1=bad for community, 5=good for community; M=4.47, SD=1.16, 1=unsafe, 5=safe; M=4.41, SD=1.51, 1=bad source of HIV information, 5=good source of HIV information. DISCUSSION: Long Beach IDUs have high need for, but little experience with NEPs. Efforts should be made to ameliorate concerns regarding NEP participation.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Injecting Drug Use, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.