[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.
Unité de recherche en santé publique, Centre de recherche du Pavillon CHUL-CHUQ, Québec. dbelanger@cspq.qc.ca
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Claessens
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