A. Background: Within Canada, as well as many other countries, harm reduction programs, especially needle exchange programmes have been found to be key in reducing the sharing of needles among IDUs. Nevertheless, concern remains that there is continued sharing and IDUs remain at high risk of HIV. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the reported high rates of Hepatitis C (HCV) among IDUs has, in particular, raised concerns about risks of HIV. This qualitative research study was undertaken to investigate the key contexts/situations within which sharing and unsafe sex continues to take place. B. Methodology: Sixty IDUS (40 men and 20 women)were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview guide included questions about what was shared (eg., needles, drug paraphernalia), and the contexts or situations of sharing (eg. where, with whom) prior to and after hearing about HIV/AIDS. We also asked about safe/unsafe sex practices. C. Findings: Although respondents indicated major changes in their sharing practices since hearing of HIV/AIDS, gaps in knowledge were found especially in terms of risks of the spread of blood-borne diseases through the sharing of drug equipment. The key situations/contexts within which IDUs reported sharing will be reported and include: 1) while in prison, 2) when having unprotected sexual relations with someone who is an IDU; and, 3) late at night when the needle exchange is closed. In addition, key contexts/situations in which they reported not sharing will be presented and discussed as possible areas to focus prevention strategies.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this section, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1) Understand some key contexts/situations within which unsafe using/unsafe occurs among IDUs ; 2) Be able to analyze the key reasons for this unsafe using/unsafe sex 3) Be able to suggest prevention strategies for encouraging safe using/safe sex among IDUs.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.