HIV and hepatitis infections continue to maintain high prevalence rates internationally. In Connecticut and Massachusetts, approximately two-thirds of all AIDS and hepatitis cases are attributed to injection drug use. Improved access to sterile syringes has proven effective in decreasing transmission of such blood-borne diseases. While syringe exchange programs (SEPs) and pharmacy sales of over-the-counter syringes have received considerable attention from researchers and interventionists during the past decade, little is known about informal economy street syringe sellers. A large percentage of injection drug users (IDUs) purchase their syringes from underground street syringe sellers on a regular basis in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Syringe sellers are able to meet the demand for syringes on the street when SEPs and pharmacies are closed or when municipal policies do not permit syringe exchange nor over-the-counter sales of sterile syringes. We will present our latest ethnographic and epidemiologic findings for Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA based on in-depth interviews with and ethnographic observations of street sellers as well as survey results from interviews with IDUs. We will explore the varying motivations of street syringe sellers as well as IDU perspectives of the pros and cons of street syringe purchasing. Social and state policies and their corresponding impact on syringe selling practices will be considered. Discussion of the public health risks and benefits of street syringe sales will be presented and suggestions for potential public health interventions will be provided. See www.hispanichealth.com
Learning Objectives: To disseminate information about underground street syringe sellers and correlated public health risks and benefits for injection drug users. Syringe selling practices will be compared across different study neighborhoods.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Injection Drug Users
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Hispanic Health Council, Hartford, CT,
UMass School of Publich Health, Amherst, MA
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.