| Record |
Author  |
Caplehorn, John R.M.; Rubin, George |
| Title |
Injecting drug users' attitudes to needle-sharing, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and harm minimisation |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Akzeptanzorientierte Drogenarbeit = Acceptance-oriented drug work |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
1 |
Issue |
29.12.2004 |
Pages |
29-34 |
| Keywords |
social services; harm reduction; intravenous drug user; needle sharing; hepatitis C; HIV infection; Aids |
| Abstract |
Objective – To measure injecting drug user’s attitudes to allowing other persons to use a needle and syringe known to be contaminated with hepatitis C virus. Methods – Demographic and historical data were collected at interview from a convenience sample of methadone and buprenorphine maintenance patients in mid-2002. Respondents also answered 12 attitudinal items on needlesharing, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and harm minimisation. Results – Subjects generally understood the threat posed by HIV and hepatitis C virus including the risk of reinfection with hepatitis C. They supported needle and syringe exchanges (90%) and safe injecting rooms (84%) and a majority supported the decriminalization of cannabis (69%) and the prescription of heroin to addicts (61%). However, forty-one of 100 respondents either failed to reject the proposition that “Even if I had hepC, I’d let people use needles after me – I’d warn them but it’s their risk” or failed to accept the proposition “If I had hepC, I’d never let anyone use my needles after me, even if it meant they didn’t get a hit”. Conclusion – Despite an awareness of the risks involved, many Sydney injecting drug users are still prepared to let other people use a needle and syringe known to be contaminated with hepatitis C virus. Implications – Attempts should be made to reduce the supply of contaminated needles and syringes by encouraging injecting drug users to take responsibility for the health and safety of other users. |
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| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
1861-0110 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
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Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
50-00684 |
Serial |
59658 |
| Permanent link to this record |
