Syringe Sharing and HIV Incidence Among Injection Drug Users and Increased Access to Sterile Syringes

Objectives. We assessed the effects of syringe exchange program (SEP) policy on rates of HIV risk behavior and HIV incidence among injection drug users.Methods. Using a multivariate generalized estimating equation and Cox regression methods, we examined syringe borrowing, syringe lending, and HIV incidence among a prospective cohort of 1228 injection drug users in Vancouver, British Columbia.Results. We observed substantial declines in rates of syringe borrowing (from 20.1% in 1998 to 9.2% in 2003) and syringe lending (from 19.1% in 1998 to 6.8% in 2003) following SEP policy change. These declines coincided with a statistically significant increase in the proportion of participants accessing sterile syringes from nontraditional SEP sources (P < .001). In multivariate analyses, the period following the change in SEP policy was independently associated with a greater than 40% reduction in syringe borrowing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49, 0.65) and lending (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.60), as well as declining HIV incidence (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.31).Conclusions. Widespread syringe distribution appears to be a more effective SEP policy than do more restrictive SEP policies that limit syringe access. Efforts should be made to ensure that SEP policies and program design serve to maximize rather than hinder syringe access.Cities throughout the world are increasingly experiencing HIV epidemics among injection drug users (IDU) as a result of sharing contaminated injecting equipment.¹ In response, various initiatives such as syringe exchange programs (SEPs) have been established.²Despite the growing implementation of SEPs, IDU-driven HIV epidemics have persisted in some settings.³ This has been true of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which experienced one of North America''s highest HIV rates although the city has been home to one of the continent''s largest SEPs.⁴ Preliminary reports have suggested that many local IDU have historically experienced difficulty accessing sterile syringes as a result of policy and programmatic factors such as limited hours of SEP operation and a rigid one-for-one syringe exchange policy (i.e., only 1 sterile syringe is distributed for every used syringe returned).^5,6 Indeed, studies from other settings have revealed the negative effects of restrictive SEP policies that limit access to sufficient numbers of sterile syringes, such as one-for-one exchange policies.^7–10In an effort to maximize sterile syringe access and reduce rates of syringe sharing, between 2000 and 2002 the health authority in Vancouver modified its SEP policies by shifting from a focus on syringe exchange to a focus on syringe distribution.¹¹ This change in policy involved decentralizing SEP services by increasing the number of sites distributing syringes, diversifying the methods used to distribute syringes (including hotel-based SEPs and foot patrols), and removing the limit on the number of syringes that could be obtained. Also, the health authority in Vancouver required local health clinics to provide sterile syringes to local IDU and asked programs, such as Vancouver''s street nurse program, that were already providing outreach and care to IDU to include syringe distribution in their activities. Further, IDU were able to acquire sterile syringes without having used syringes to exchange, and syringe distribution and collection programs were separated. At the same time, a local drug user organization, recognizing the problem with access to syringes, opened a peer-run SEP in the city''s central drug-using area.¹² This program included both a fixed SEP and an outreach-based SEP service. The peer-run fixed SEP was later found to be reaching a subpopulation of IDU at heightened risk for HIV infection.¹³Although it has been suggested that SEPs are most effective when the focus of service is on distribution rather than exchange,¹¹ there is a dearth of evidence documenting the effect of such a focus on rates of syringe sharing and HIV incidence. Therefore, we sought to determine if the change in SEP policy was associated with changes in rates of used syringe sharing and HIV incidence among IDU.     

Should Pharmacists have a Role in Harm Reduction Services for IDUs? A Qualitative Study in Tallinn,Estonia

Despite the high number of injecting drug users (IDUs) in Estonia, little is known about involving pharmacies into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention activities and potential barriers. Similarly, in other Eastern European countries, there is a need for additional sources for clean syringes besides syringe exchange programmes (SEPs), but data on current practices relating to pharmacists’ role in harm reduction strategies is scant. Involving pharmacies is especially important for several reasons: they have extended hours of operation and convenient locations compared to SEPs, may provide access for IDUs who have avoided SEPs, and are a trusted health resource in the community. We conducted a series of focus groups with pharmacists and IDUs in Tallinn, Estonia, to explore their attitudes toward the role of pharmacists in HIV prevention activities for IDUs. Many, but not all, pharmacists reported a readiness to sell syringes to IDUs to help prevent HIV transmission. However, negative attitudes toward IDUs in general and syringe sales to them specifically were identified as important factors restricting such sales. The idea of free distribution of clean syringes or other injecting equipment and disposal of used syringes in pharmacies elicited strong resistance. IDUs stated that pharmacies were convenient for acquiring syringes due to their extended opening hours and local distribution. IDUs were positive toward pharmacies, although they were aware of stigma from pharmacists and other customers. They also emphasized the need for distilled water and other injection paraphernalia. In conclusion, there are no formal or legislative obstacles for providing HIV prevention services for IDUs at pharmacies. Addressing negative attitudes through educational courses and involving pharmacists willing to be public health educators in high drug use areas would improve access for HIV prevention services for IDUs.     

Comparison of injecting drug users who obtain syringes from pharmacies and syringe exchange programs in Tallinn, Estonia

Background  

Both syringe exchange programs (SEPs) and pharmacy sales of syringes are available in Estonia, though the current high incidence and high prevalence of HIV among injection drug users (IDUs) in Tallinn, Estonia requires large-scale implementation of additional harm reduction programs as a matter of great urgency. The aims of this report were to compare risk behavior and HIV infection and to assess the prevention needs among IDUs who primarily use pharmacies as their source of sterile syringes with IDUs who primarily use SEPs in Tallinn.     

Spatial Access to Sterile Syringes and the Odds of Injecting with an Unsterile Syringe among Injectors: A Longitudinal Multilevel Study

Despite the 2010 repeal of the ban on spending federal monies to fund syringe exchange programs (SEPs) in the USA, these interventions—and specifically SEP site locations—remain controversial. To further inform discussions about the location of SEP sites, this longitudinal multilevel study investigates the relationship between spatial access to sterile syringes distributed by SEPs in New York City (NYC) United Hospital Fund (UHF) districts and injecting with an unsterile syringe among injectors over time (1995–2006). Annual measures of spatial access to syringes in each UHF district (N = 42) were created using data on SEP site locations and site-specific syringe distribution data. Individual-level data on unsterile injecting among injectors (N = 4,067) living in these districts, and on individual-level covariates, were drawn from the Risk Factors study, an ongoing cross-sectional study of NYC drug users. We used multilevel models to explore the relationship of district-level access to syringes to the odds of injecting with an unsterile syringe in >75% of injection events in the past 6 months, and to test whether this relationship varied by district-level arrest rates (per 1,000 residents) for drug and drug paraphernalia possession. The relationship between district-level access to syringes and the odds of injecting with an unsterile syringe depended on district-level arrest rates. In districts with low baseline arrest rates, better syringe access was associated with a decline in the odds of frequently injecting with an unsterile syringe (AOR, 0.95). In districts with no baseline syringe access, higher arrest rates were associated with increased odds of frequently injecting with an unsterile syringe (AOR, 1.02) When both interventions were present, arrest rates eroded the protective effects of spatial access to syringes. Spatial access to syringes in small geographic areas appears to reduce the odds of injecting with an unsterile syringe among local injectors, and arrest rates elevate these odds. Policies and practices that curtail syringe flow in geographic areas (e.g., restrictions on SEP locations or syringe distribution) or that make it difficult for injectors to use the sterile syringes they have acquired may damage local injectors’ efforts to reduce HIV transmission and other injection-related harms.     

Sexual relationships,secondary syringe exchange,and gender differences in HIV risk among drug injectors

Injection drug use continues to place women at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through both risky injecting practices and risky sexual behavior with male injection drug users (IDUs). Although attendance at syringe-exchange programs (SEPs) is protective against HIV, a recent study found that women attending SEPs who exchanged syringes for other people (secondary exchange) were at greater risk for HIV seroconversion, potentially through risky sexual behavior. We examined this question in a sample of 531 IDUs (175 women and 356 men) attending 23 SEPs in California in 2001. Findings indicated that women were more likely than men to engage in secondary exchange and were more likely to have IDU sexual partners. In multivariate analysis among women, secondary exchange was independently associated with distributive syringe sharing, not engaging in receptive sharing, and not exchanging sex for money or drugs. Multivariate analysis among men found that having an IDU sexual partner was associated with secondary exchange. Women’s sexual risk behavior was not associated with secondary exchange, and although women’s secondary exchange was associated with individual protection for injection-related behaviors, it may increase network risk. More information on network members is needed to understand gender differences in secondary exchange. Dr. Bluthenthal is with the Health Program and Drug Policy Research Center, RAND. and Drew Center on AIDS Research, Education, and Services (CARES), Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.     

Needle and syringe sharing practices of injecting drug users participating in an outreach HIV prevention program in Tehran,Iran: A cross-sectional study

HIV infection rates have reached epidemic proportions amongst injecting drug users (IDUs) in Iran. Although a number of community-based interventions have being implemented in the country, there is little information on the risk behaviors of IDU participants in these programs. This cross-sectional report aimed to compare the risk behaviors of injecting drug users with differential exposure rates to an HIV outreach program in Tehran, Iran. Results indicated that shared use of needle/syringe in the past month was significantly lower among IDUs who received estimated ≥ 7 syringes per week than those who did not [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 14.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.30–89.56]. While the effectiveness of this outreach program needs further evaluation through a longitudinal investigation, our preliminary findings suggest that the outreach program in Tehran may have been beneficial in reducing direct sharing among those who received more than several needles/syringes from the program.     

Situational factors influencing drug injecting,risk reduction and syringe exchange in Togliatti City,Russian Federation: a qualitative study of micro risk environment

We undertook a qualitative study to explore the micro-environment of drug injecting, risk reduction and syringe exchange practices among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Togliatti City, Russia. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=57) were undertaken with current IDUs in May 2001. Findings highlight a recent transition away from hanka (a home-produced liquid opiate derived from opium poppy) towards the injection of heroin powder, and a drug use culture in which injecting predominates. Findings emphasise that risk reduction practices may be influenced less by availability of injecting equipment than by an interplay of situational and micro-environmental factors. Principal among these is a reported fear of police detainment or arrest among IDUs which encourages a reluctance to carry needles and syringes, and which in turn, is associated with needle and syringe sharing at the point of drug sale. We note the role of policing practices in influencing risk reduction and the potential role of policing agencies in supporting HIV prevention initiatives among IDUs.     

Syringe exchange programs--United States, 2005

Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) provide free sterile syringes in exchange for used syringes to reduce transmission of bloodborne pathogens among injection-drug users (IDUs). SEPs in the United States began as a way to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that persons who continue to inject drugs use a new, sterile syringe for each injection. Monitoring syringe exchange activity is an important part of assessing HIV prevention measures in the United States. As of November 2007, a total of 185 SEPs were operating in 36 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and Puerto Rico (North American Syringe Exchange Network [NASEN], unpublished data, 2007). This report summarizes a survey of SEP activities in the United States during 2005 and compares the findings with previous SEP surveys (Beth Israel Medical Center [BIMC], unpublished data, 2000 and 2004). The findings indicated an increase in overall funding for SEPs, including an increase in public funding, and a stabilization in both the number of SEPs operating and the number of syringes exchanged since 2004. This report also documents an expansion of services offered by SEPs, a trend that resulted from an increase in state and local funding. These expanded services are helping protect IDUs and their communities from the spread of bloodborne pathogens and are providing access to health services for a population at high risk. Monitoring of syringe exchange activity should continue.     

A syringe exchange programme in prison as prevention strategy against HIV infection and hepatitis B and C in Berlin, Germany

In two prisons in Berlin, Germany, provision of sterile injection equipment for injecting drug users (IDUs) started in 1998. To assess the programme's impact, the frequency of injecting drug use and syringe sharing, and the incidence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infection were determined in a follow-up study. Of all IDUs (n=174), 75% continued to inject. After the project start the level of syringe sharing declined from 71% during a 4-month period of previous imprisonment to 11% during the first 4 months of follow-up, and to virtually zero thereafter. Baseline seroprevalences for HIV, HBV, and HCV were 18, 53, and 82%. HIV and HCV seroprevalence at baseline was significantly associated with drug injection in prison prior to the project start. No HIV and HBV seroconversions, but four HCV seroconversions occurred. The provision of syringes for IDUs in appropriate prison settings may contribute to a substantial reduction of syringe sharing. However, the prevention of HCV infection requires additional strategies.     

Methadone maintenance treatment and HIV risk-taking behaviour among injecting drug users in Berlin.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is effective in reducing the levels of HIV risk-taking behaviour (borrowing and lending of injection equipment, irregular condom use) among injecting drug users (IDUs), and to identify independent predictors of the borrowing of used syringes. DESIGN: Cross sectional study of IDUs in MMT and not in MMT, using standardised interviews for collection of sociodemographic and behavioural data, and laboratory tests for detecting HIV antibodies. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The 612 IDUs were recruited at different services for drug users such as treatment centres, walk in agencies, a hospital, and on the streets. MAIN RESULTS: Of all IDUs, 41% had borrowed and 34% had passed on used injection equipment in the previous six months. In univariate analysis, IDUs receiving MMT had injected less frequently and were significantly less likely to borrow and lend syringes. In logistic regression analysis, MMT was protective against the borrowing of syringes (adjusted odds ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.2, 0.8), but not against syringe lending nor against sexual risk behaviour (i.e., numbers of sex partners, lack of condom use). Important independent predictors of the borrowing of syringes were injecting drug use in prison, use of sedatives, and sex with another IDU in the previous six months. CONCLUSIONS: MMT may play a significant role in reducing the levels of borrowing of syringes among IDUs. However, additional prevention measures are needed which should specifically address sexual risk behaviour and target subgroups of IDUs with high levels of needle sharing, such as IDUs who have been in prison and and those who are sedative users.     

Update: syringe exchange programs--United States, 1998

Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) provide sterile syringes in exchange for used syringes to reduce the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other bloodborne infections associated with the reuse of potentially blood-contaminatedsyringes among injection drug users (IDUs) (1). This report summarizes a survey of 1998 SEP activities in the United States and compares them with 1994-1997 SEP activity surveys (1-3). SEPs are an increasingly common HIV prevention approach that offer a range of public health services in addition to syringe exchange.     

Secondary syringe exchange among injection drug users

Syringe-exchange programs (SEPs) have proven to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens, primarily human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among injection drug users (IDUs). In the United States, only about 7% of IDUs have access to and use SEPs. Some IDUs engage in secondary syringe exchange (SSE), meaning that one IDU (a “provider”) obtains syringes at an SEP to distribute to other IDUs (“recipients”). This formative qualitative research was conducted to understand why and how IDUs engage in SSE to aid in the development of a large-scale peer HIV prevention intervention. Interviews with 47 IDUs in Oakland and Richmond, California, indicated that SSE was embedded in existing social networks, which provided natural opportunities for peer education. SSE providers reported a desire to help other IDUs as their primary motivation, while recipients reported convenience as their primary reason for using SSE. Building SSE into SEP structures can facilitate an effective provision of risk reduction supplies and information to IDUs who do not access SEPs directly.     

Hitting up in the top end: characteristics of needle exchange clients in Darwin

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about injecting drug use (IDU) and blood-borne viral (BBV) infection in rural Australia. METHOD: These repeat cross-sectional studies were conducted during a two-week period in July and October-November 1998 at the Darwin needle exchange, with 129 and 121 respondents respectively. RESULTS: The commonest drug of choice was heroin, but the commonest drug injected was morphine. Self-reported sharing of needles and syringes was uncommon. Self-reported serostatus for HIV was high (8% and 11.4% respectively), but seemingly mostly associated with sexual rather than IDU risk; for hepatitis C (HCV) status, these were 54% and 37%. Among IDUs of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) background, who made up 14% of the first round respondents, patterns of IDU and of BBV infection were the same as among non-ATSI respondents. CONCLUSIONS: These surveys reveal patterns of IDU in Darwin that have both similarities and differences with those in the major urban centres in Australia. In the absence of a comprehensive methadone maintenance program, many participate in a more or less informal morphine substitution program. HIV is present among these IDUs, and the risks of further sexual transmission may be high. IMPLICATIONS: These surveys confirm the presence among injecting drug users in Darwin of HIV, HBV and HCV, and of the risk for further spread of these viruses. Control of blood-borne virus transmission among IDUs requires an even greater commitment to abolishing sharing of needles and syringes, and therefore continued support and enhancement of needle and syringe availability.     

Service uptake and characteristics of injection drug users utilizing North America's first medically supervised safer injecting facility

In 2003, the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, opened North America’s first government-sanctioned safer injecting facility, where injection drug users (IDUs) can inject preobtained illicit drugs under the supervision of nurses. Use of the service by IDUs was followed by measurable reductions in public drug use and syringe sharing. IDUs who are frequently using the program tend to be high-intensity cocaine and heroin injectors and homeless individuals.

The facility has provided high-risk IDUs a hygienic space where syringe sharing can be eliminated and the risk of fatal overdose reduced. Ongoing evaluation will be required to assess its impact on overdose rates and HIV infection levels, as well as its ability to improve IDU contact with medical care and addiction treatment