NCJ Number
128747
Date Published
1988
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses intervention strategies to reduce HIV transmission through intravenous (IV) drug injection.
Abstract
The report identifies factors determining the number of IV-drug users (IVDU) infected with HIV, in particular the initiation rate at which new heroin users join the user population, quit rate of heroin use, relapse rates of ex-users, needle sharing and sterilization practices among heroin users, and mixing between infected and uninfected drug users. Recommendations to reduce this route of HIV transmission focus on modifications in laws and regulations regarding needle sharing and sterilization; outreach and drug education to reduce rates of drug use; reduction of needle sharing and increase of sterilization procedures; and drug law enforcement targeted at street dealers and drug users to influence initiation, quit, relapse, and needle sharing practices. Expanded drug treatment capacity to increase quit rate and priority admission to treatment programs for infected heroin users in low prevalence areas and for uninfected users in high-prevalence areas are also suggested as intervention strategies. The recommended changes for law enforcement and treatment programs should improve AIDS education and control. 77 notes