Research Note: Acceptability and Utility of a Hand-Held Syringe Disposal Device for Active Injection Drug Users

Abstract

Efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis among injection drug users (IDUs) by improving access to sterile syringes can raise questions about syringe disposal. This study sought to evaluate the acceptability and utility of the Voyager, a newly approved, hand-held syringe disposal device for active injection drug users (IDUs). We offered the Voyager to active IDUs (n = 97), and interviewed them upon receiving the device and one month later. Almost all (90%) accepted the device. At follow-up, 78% had used the Voyager and 44% reported using it all the time; 65% reported they would like to continue using the Voyager and 77% rated the device “somewhat better” or “much better” than other methods of syringe disposal. Many IDUs care about safe syringe disposal and are willing and able to use a convenient disposal device such as the Voyager. Communities concerned about needlestick injuries and re-use of contaminated syringes should explore increasing the availability of such a device for IDUs as part of an overall approach to prevent improperly discarded syringes.