Needle-cleaning practices among intravenous drug users who share injection equipment in Baltimore, Maryland

Int J Addict. 1992 Jun;27(6):717-25. doi: 10.3109/10826089209068763.

Abstract

In Baltimore, Maryland, between 1988 and 1989, 2,921 intravenous drug users were recruited into a study of drug injection practices and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Sixty-three percent reported both current use and sharing of needles; almost all these (N = 1,757) reported using injection equipment immediately after it was used by another intravenous drug user. Of the 1,757, 62% said that they "typically" cleaned the used equipment with bleach or alcohol before injecting. These data suggest that information about disinfecting needles has disseminated into this population and identifies several groups to target for interventions.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Baltimore
  • Disinfection*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Needle Sharing / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*