[Community collection of syringes by parenteral drug users complementary to syringe exchange programs].
OBJECTIVE
To contribute to harm reduction in injecting drug users (IDUs) by the implementation of a programme to withdraw abandoned syringes from public places, as well as to collaborate on the social reinsertion of IDUs.


METHODS
Descriptive study of the Syringe Withdrawal Community (RECOJE in Spanish), carried out from 1997 to 1999 by IDUs, the We Are Helpful Association (ASUT in Spanish) and the Social and Health Prevention and Attention Service (SAPS in Spanish) of the Red Cross, in Ciutat Vella (Barcelona, Spain).


RESULTS
4,332 syringes were withdrawn, 849 in 1997, 1,324 in 1998 and 2,159 in 1999. The mean number of syringes withdrawn each time was 57 33. 45 different IDUs worked in RECOJE. 74.2% of the abandoned syringes were found in parks, gardens, car parks and open spaces.


CONCLUSIONS
RECOJE can be a valid programme for harm reduction complementary to the exchange syringe programmes. It could improve the self-esteem, external image and organization of IDUs, contributing to their social reinsertion.
Bechich
S
S
Servicio de Atención y Prevención Sociosanitaria (SAPS). Creu Roja. Barcelona.
Martínez
M
M
Llorella
G
G
Rodés
A
A
De Andrés
M
M
Delás
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000628:therapy; D013594:Syringes