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Abstract
Factors associated with buying and selling syringes among injection drug users in a setting with one of North America's largest syringe exchange programs
L M Kuyper1, P M Spittal1, K Li1, R S Hogg2, J S G Montaner3, M T Schechter2, E Wood2
1B.C Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; 2B.C Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS; Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, University of B.C., Vancouver, Canada; 3B.C Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS; Department of Medicine, University of B.C., Vancouver, Canada
Background: We evaluated rates of syringe buying and selling among IDUs and various demographic and drug-related factors associated with these behaviors in Vancouver, Canada.
Methods: We performed analyses of 1) syringe buying and 2) syringe selling among participants enrolled in the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS), a prospective cohort of IDUs. Categorical explanatory variables were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test and continuous variables were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with these behaviors.
Results: Overall, 468 active IDUs completed a follow-up between November 2002 and August 2003 among whom 70 (15%) reported syringe selling and 122 (26%) reported syringe buying from other IDUs during the study period. In multivariate analysis, compared to non-sellers, syringe sellers were more likely to be female (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 2.77 [95% Confidence Interval {CI}: 1.38–5.47]), reside in unstable housing (AOR: 3.04 [95% CI: 1.31 –7.06]), need help injecting (AOR: 2.63 [95% CI: 1.43 –4.84]), and have visited the SEP >= weekly (AOR: 4.14 [95% CI: 2.03 – 8.44]). Compared to non-buyers, syringe buyers were more likely to need help injecting (AOR: 1.79 [95% CI: 1.08 –2.99]), have difficulty finding new syringes (AOR: 2.08 [95% CI: 1.01 –4.25]), have binged on drugs (AOR: 1.67 [95% CI: 1.05– 2.66]), and have visited the SEP >= weekly (AOR: 2.98 [95% CI: 1.80–4.93]). We also found that syringe buying most frequently occurred during the late evening when the exchange was closed.
Conclusions: Needs of IDUs with difficulty accessing syringes appear to be met by IDUs who sell syringes. While peer-based models of harm reduction which include distribution of new syringes should be supported, our observed associations indicate that SEP operating hours, particularly at night, should also be expanded to reach the highest risk IDUs.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
Suggested Citation
" L M Kuyper , , et al.
Factors associated with buying and selling syringes among injection drug users in a setting with one of North America's largest syringe exchange programs.
Oral Abstract session:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
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