| |
Record |
Links |
|
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 |
|
|
| |
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. |
|
| |
Address |
|
|
| |
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
|
| |
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
|
| |
Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
|
| |
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
|
| |
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
|
| |
ISSN |
1861-0110 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
|
| |
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
|
| |
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
|
| |
Call Number |
50-00684 |
Serial |
59658 |
|
| Permanent link to this record |
