Correlates of Safe Syringe Acquisition and Disposal Practices among Young IDUs: Broadening our Notion of Risk

Abstract

The current study examines the relationship of syringe use patterns with acquisition and disposal practices among injection drug users (IDUs). Study participants (N = 294) were IDUs between 15 and 30 years old in Baltimore, Maryland, who had initiated drug injection within the past five years. Safe acquisition was defined as obtaining syringes from the Baltimore syringe exchange program and pharmacies. Safe disposal was defined as depositing syringes at the syringe exchange program or in a closed container. Participants were primarily male, White, and had low levels of education. In the six months prior to being interviewed, 25% reported safe syringe acquisition and 47% reported safe disposal. In a multivariate model controlling for demographic variables, factors that were significantly associated with safe acquisition were injecting for more than two years, obtaining two or more syringes per pickup, using a syringe for five or more injections, and safe disposal of syringes. In a multivariate model controlling for demographic variables, factors that were that were significantly associated with safe disposal were injecting daily and safe syringe acquisition. Infectious disease prevention efforts need to specifically target young and newly initiated IDUs in promoting safe syringe acquisition and disposal practices.