Safe syringe disposal is related to safe syringe access among HIV-positive injection drug users.
We evaluated the effect of syringe acquisition on syringe disposal among HIV-positive injection drug users (IDUs) in Baltimore, New York City, and San Francisco (N = 680; mean age 42 years, 62% male, 59% African-American, 21% Hispanic, 12% White). Independent predictors of safe disposal were acquiring syringes through a safe source and ever visiting a syringe exchange program. Weaker predictors included living in San Francisco, living in the area longer, less frequent binge drinking, injecting with an HIV+ partner, peer norms supporting safe injection, and self-empowerment. Independent predictors of safe "handling"-both acquiring and disposing of syringes safely-also included being from New York and being older. HIV-positive IDUs who obtain syringes from a safe source are more likely to safely dispose; peer norms contribute to both acquisition and disposal. Interventions to improve disposal should include expanding sites of safe syringe acquisition while enhancing disposal messages, alternatives, and convenience.
Coffin
Phillip O
PO
Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA. poc2@columbia.edu
Latka
Mary H
MH
Latkin
Carl
C
Wu
Yingfeng
Y
Purcell
David W
DW
Metsch
Lisa
L
Gomez
Cynthia
C
Gourevitch
Marc N
MN
D000328:Adult; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D012944:Social Support; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013594:Syringes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D017744:Medical Waste Disposal