NCJ Number
193636
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 385-395
Date Published
November 2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study aimed to provide an economic analysis of a harm reduction intervention focused on AIDS prevention among injection drug users in the city of Svetlogorsk, Belarus.
Abstract
The main activities of the project were the promotion of the safe use of syringes, the collection of dirty needles, the promotion of safe sex, medical assistance for persons with sexually transmitted diseases, psychological and legal support, and outreach services by volunteers. The research focused on the nature and implementation of the project activities, the costs of these activities, and the factors influencing the use of these activities elsewhere. Results revealed that the financial costs were $28,524 and the economic costs were $148,617. The economic costs totaled $148,617 when they included the donated mass media services. The financial and economic unit costs ranged from 32 cents to $1.68 per disposable syringe distributed and 98 cents to $5.10 per contact. The valuation of the mass-media costs strongly affected the total costs. However, the extent to which mass media would have been used if the project had borne the costs was unclear. The analysis concluded that this issue is crucial when considering the sustainability and replication of such projects in other locations. Tables, notes, and 13 references