HIV Transmission Risk Behaviour of Clients Attending Syringe‐exchange Schemes in England and Scotland

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Abstract
Summary: British government strategy for the prevention of HIV transmission in injecting drug users includes experimental syringe‐exchange schemes for the provision of sterile injecting equipment to drug injectors who are unable or unwilling to stop injecting. This paper reports on the HIV risk behaviour of clients interviewed during the first year of the schemes. Most clients had accurate knowledge of the risk of infection from sharing syringes but few considered themselves to be at risk of HIV infection, 36% reported sharing needles and syringes at and shortly after intake. Most clients were sexually active and many had partners who did not inject drugs. The two main reasons for attendance were scarcity of injecting equipment and worry about AIDS. A majority of clients reported that they had already made changes in their injecting practices because of AIDS, and some reported changes in sexual behaviour. The study highlights the scale and nature of the task of helping drug injectors to charge their behaviour.