[Drugs, Poverty and HIV: results regarding a provincial needle exchange program in Point de Repères, Quebec].
In this study (n = 200), the characteristics of IDUs participating in a provincial needle exchange program (NEP) for more than 2 years (> 2 years) were compared with those of IDUs having participated for less than 2 years (< or = 2 years). Compared to the < or = 2 years, the > 2 years were more often recipients of welfare (RC: 4.7), especially among the HIV-positive (RC: 62.0); tried quitting drugs more frequently (RC: 3.8); more often recommended the NEP to other IDUs (RC: 3.1); and more often requested being given shelter and longer opening hours (RC: 3.6). These results highlight the urgent need to improve and develop transitional and support services for the > 2 years. Preventive interventions that would reach out to the < or = 2 years where they live should also be implemented in close collaboration with organizations involved in mental health and drug use prevention.
Bélanger
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D
Unité de recherche en santé publique, Centre de recherche du Pavillon CHUL-CHUQ, Québec. dbelanger@cspq.qc.ca
Noël
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L
Alary
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M
Parent
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R
Poulin
C
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Claessens
C
C
D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011792:Quebec / Q000453:epidemiology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors