Prescribing syringes to prevent HIV: a survey of infectious disease and addiction medicine physicians in Rhode Island

Subst Use Misuse. 2001 Apr;36(5):535-50. doi: 10.1081/ja-100103559.

Abstract

This article describes the assessment of physicians' attitudes and practices regarding prescribing syringes to injection drug users (IDUs). A brief, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent to all Infectious Disease and Addiction Medicine specialists in Rhode Island. Of 49 eligible physicians, 39 responded (response rate 80%). Most (95%) indicated that there is a legitimate medical reason for IDUs to obtain sterile syringes. Many (71%) agreed that they would prescribe syringes to prevent disease in IDUs if it were clearly legal to do so. We can conclude that physician syringe prescription to IDUs may be an acceptable supplement to existing HIV prevention strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Communicable Diseases / therapy*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Prescriptions*
  • Rhode Island
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / therapy
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Syringes*