APHA
Back to Annual Meeting Page
 
American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3245.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 2

Abstract #117265

Social network characteristics associated with use of pharmacies as a syringe source among IDUs in New York City: Implications for social network-based interventions

Crystal Fuller, PhD1, Wendy Caceres, BA2, Sandro Galea, MD, MPH1, Shannon Blaney, MPH1, Danielle C. Ompad, PhD1, and David Vlahov, PhD2. (1) Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212.822-7391, cfuller@nyam.org, (2) Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies (CUES), New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029

Background: The Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP) legalized nonprescription pharmacy syringe sales in New York in 2001. Black and Hispanic injection drug users (IDUs) continue to lag in utilization of ESAP. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social network characteristics and pharmacy use to help inform effective HIV prevention programs. Methods: Data were combined from two on-going IDU studies across 5 high-risk NYC neighborhoods. Social network characteristics associated with any nonprescription syringe purchase from a pharmacy (past 6 months) was cross-sectionally examined via chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. Results: Of 384 IDUs, majority were male (76%), black/Hispanic (82%) and median age was 35 [range 18-60]. Thirty-six percent reported pharmacy use with proportions highest among whites (58%) compared with blacks (25%), and Hispanics (33%;p<0.001). Pharmacy users were more likely to report ESAP knowledge, and no recent use of SEP, than non-users. Additionally, having an IDU friend who had 1) purchased pharmacy syringes, and 2) discussed pharmacies as syringe source was significantly associated with pharmacy use compared with non-use. After adjustment for age, education, and interview date, social network predictors of pharmacy use were ESAP knowledge [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR)=5.01;95% Confidence Interval(CI)=2.63-9.54], and having an IDU friend who purchased and/or discussed purchasing pharmacy syringes [AOR=8.33;95% CI=4.57-15.18]. Conclusions: Having IDU peers who have purchased pharmacy syringes and have shared information about pharmacy syringe sales encourages pharmacy use. With low pharmacy use among black/Hispanic IDUs, prevention strategists should consider disseminating pharmacy syringe access information through IDU social networks.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

Keywords: Intravenous Drug Use, Pharmacies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Injecting Drug Use and HIV: Findings from Research and Practice

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA