A preliminary evaluation of a modified needle-cleaning intervention using bleach among injection drug users.
This study examines an intervention designed to improve needle-cleaning practices among injection drug users (IDUs) in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, to meet the recommended bleach exposure time of at least 30 seconds. Simulated needle-cleaning practices were observed in offices at baseline and after an intervention at 2 to 4 week and 6-month follow-ups. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, logistic, and multiple regressions were used to examine behavior change and the correlates of safer cleaning practices. At baseline (n = 541), the mean bleach exposure time was 13.8 seconds. At first follow-up (n = 410), the mean bleach contact time (23.4 s) increased significantly (t = 8.59; p < .05). At 6-month follow-up (n = 83), the mean bleach exposure time (21.1 s) also increased significantly (t = 2.98; p < .05). Longer bleach contact time was associated with higher injection frequency and needle transfer at 6-month follow-up. Although mean bleach exposure time increased significantly at both follow-ups, only 30.3% of the IDUs kept bleach in the syringe for at least 30 seconds at 6-month follow-up. Improved interventions are needed.
Carlson
R G
RG
Department of Community Health, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45435, USA. rcarlson@wright.edu
Wang
J
J
Siegal
H A
HA
Falck
R S
RS
D000328:Adult; D004202:Disinfectants; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D009820:Ohio; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous; D013997:Time Factors
D004202:Disinfectants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite