Health Policy. 1998 Sep;45(3):209-20.

Syringe and needle exchange as HIV/AIDS prevention for injection drug users in Puerto Rico.

Robles RR, Colón HM, Matos TD, Finlinson HA, Muñoz A, Marrero CA, García M, Reyes JC.

Source

Center for Addiction Studies, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. ucccea@caribe.net

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the first needle exchange program (NEP) established in Puerto Rico. The data for this study were collected during the first months of the NEP from July 1995 to March 1996 in 13 communities of the San Juan metropolitan area. Subjects were the participants of two modalities of the NEP: a mobile team and a community-based drug treatment program. During the 3-week evaluation period, 2401 injection drug users (IDUs) were recruited, resulting in a total of 19,195 exchange contacts and 146,323 syringes exchanged. No significant change in drug injection was observed. However, the program was effective in reducing sharing of syringes and cookers. The study suggests that the NEP did help in reducing needle sharing in Puerto Rico. However, the HIV seropositivity in returned syringes suggests the need to continue aggressive prevention programs to arrest the epidemic among IDUs. However, factors related to the socio-cultural environment as well as cultural norms and traditions need to be considered when planning and expanding NEPs.

PMID:: 10338952; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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

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A longitudinal study of syringe acquisition by Puerto Rican injection drug users in New York and Puerto Rico: implications for syringe exchange and distribution programs. [Subst Use Misuse. 2006]
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Cited by 1 PubMed Central article

Return Rates for Needle Exchange Programs: A Common Criticism Answered. [Harm Reduct J. 2004]
Return Rates for Needle Exchange Programs: A Common Criticism Answered.
Ksobiech K. Harm Reduct J. 2004 Apr 19; 1(1):2. Epub 2004 Apr 19.

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