Correlates of lending needles/syringes among HIV-seropositive injection drug users

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2007 Nov 1:46 Suppl 2:S72-9. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181576818.

Abstract

Among HIV-positive injection drug users (IDUs), we examined the correlates of lending needles/syringes with HIV-negative and unknown status injection partners. HIV-positive IDUs (N=738) from 4 cities in the United States who reported injection drug use with other IDUs in the past 3 months participated in an audio computer-assisted self-administered interview. Eighteen percent of study participants self-reported having lent their needles to HIV-negative or unknown status injection partners. Multivariate analyses showed that 6 variables were significantly associated with this high-risk injecting practice. Older IDUs, high school graduates, and those reporting more supportive peer norms for safer drug use were less likely to lend needles/syringes. Admission to a hospital for drug treatment in the past 6 months, having injected with >1 person in the past 3 months, and having more psychiatric symptoms were all associated with more risk. These findings underscore the need for a continued prevention focus on HIV-positive IDUs that recognizes the combination of drug use, mental health factors, and social factors that might affect this high-risk injecting practice, which could be associated with HIV and hepatitis C transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Data Collection / methods
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Needle Sharing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Disclosure
  • Social Support
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • United States / epidemiology