Gender-specific situational correlates of syringe sharing during a single injection episode

AIDS Behav. 2011 Jan;15(1):75-85. doi: 10.1007/s10461-009-9530-5. Epub 2009 Feb 18.

Abstract

Factors associated with syringe sharing differ between women and men; however, it is uncertain whether these hold within the setting of a single injection episode. A questionnaire eliciting information about the last injection episode with others present was administered to participants in a cohort of Montréal injection drug users (IDUs). Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of syringe sharing and to test potential gender differences in relation to syringe sharing. Data from 467 participants revealed significant differences between men and women with regard to situational factors; however, the relationships between situational factors and syringe sharing did not vary according to gender. In multivariate models including both genders, syringe sharing was associated with various attributes of other IDUs who were present as well as alcohol use during that specific episode. These results highlight the relevance of situational factors in injection drug use activity, regardless of gender.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needle Sharing / psychology*
  • Needle Sharing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quebec
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sex Factors
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Syringes
  • Young Adult