Acquisition and use of needles and syringes by injecting drug users in Baltimore, Maryland
Article Abstract:
A large percentage of intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Baltimore appear to be buying syringes and needles that may not be sterile, thereby increasing the risk of spreading HIV. In preparation for the start of a needle exchange program, researchers surveyed 466 intravenous drug users in 1992 to determine where IDUs get needles and syringes. Close to half of the respondents said they bought needles and syringes on the street. Another 30% said they purchased the drug injecting equipment in pharmacies, and 16% got syringes from diabetic friends or relatives. Approximately one in four participants said they did not own syringes. The purchase of non-presciption needles and syringes is legally permitted in Baltimore, but possession of this drug equipment is a misdemeanor. The patterns observed in this study may increase HIV transmission in Baltimore. Decriminalization of needle and syringe possession is suggested along with increased access to clean injecting equipment.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
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Deregulation of the sale and possession of syringes for HIV prevention among injection drug users
Article Abstract:
Deregulation of syringes may help prevent transmission of HIV by encouraging injection drug users to purchase clean syringes at pharmacies and to avoid sharing blood-contaminated drug-injecting equipment. Laws prohibit the sale of syringes without a prescription and make the possession of syringes a felony. Syringe exchange programs provide limited assistance because of the scarcity of program sites and the low number of hours these sites operate. Syringes have been deregulated in Connecticut since 1992, and this appears to be producing good results. Sales of non-prescription syringes in pharmacies have greatly increased in high drug use areas. Surveys also show a large decrease in street sales of needles. States with syringe prescription laws should repeal them.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
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Use of sterile syringes and aseptic drug preparation are important components of HIV prevention among injection drug users
Article Abstract:
Attempts to slow or stop the transmission of blood-borne diseases among injectable drug users face a significant obstacle by laws restricting the sale of syringes. Despite widespread agreement among health specialists that single use of sterile syringes could limit the transmission of HIV, pharmacists are often unwilling to sell them, and police still arrest people for possession of them, labelling them as drug paraphernalia even in states which have been willing to change their laws to legalize sale.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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