Special consultation on syringe laws addresses epidemics, airs controversy
Article Abstract:
Physicians, pharmacists, legislators and law enforcement officials met in 1996 to discuss ways to prevent the spread of AIDS and other blood-borne diseases through intravenous drug abuse. Approximately one-third of all AIDS cases occur in injecting drug addicts. Up to 90% of injecting drug addicts are infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, which are also transmitted by contact with blood. This occurs when addicts share needles that may be contaminated with blood. Many addicts are forced to do this because most states have laws prohibiting the sale of drug paraphernalia. But even if these laws were repealed, many physicians and pharmacists would still be reluctant to prescribe and dispense syringes for fear of participating in illegal activity. Many police officers have the same concerns. But a 1995 survey by the National Academy of Sciences found no increase in illegal drug activity in communities that have adopted needle exchange programs. A study in the same year found that needle exchange programs can reduce the rate of HIV infection in injecting drug addicts.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Abnormal pap smears, ASCUS still Ob/Gyn puzzle
Article Abstract:
Many gynecologists are still not sure how to treat women with atypical Pap smears. One such abnormality is called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). These smears do not qualify as a pre-cancerous abnormality, but they may not necessarily be benign. The National Cancer Institute has begun a study that will follow 7,000 women in an attempt to determine the significance of ASCUS. One of the goals is to evaluate testing for human papillomavirus infections of the cervix, which can become cancerous.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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When physicians ask, women tell about domestic abuse and violence
Article Abstract:
Physicians attending the 1996 meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were encouraged to ask their patients about domestic abuse. Abuse by a sexual partner affects approximately 20% of US women at some time in their lives and about 2,000 women die from abuse each year. Many physicians have little time or training to investigate domestic abuse, but a few simple questions can let the woman know someone cares and can also prevent repeat follow-ups for ongoing abuse.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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