Article
Correlates of sharing injection equipment among male injecting drug users in Kathmandu, Nepal (International Journal of Drug Policy)
International Journal of Drug Policy
(2010)
Abstract
Background: HIV prevalence is high and risky injection practices occur frequently among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Nepal. We explored the correlates of sharing injection equipment (having injected with a needle or syringe previously used by another) among male IDUs in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Methods: From August to September 2007, we anonymously interviewed 296 male IDUs in Kathmandu, Nepal, using a structured questionnaire. We performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis and identified variables associated with sharing injection equipment.
Results: Over half (n = 152) of the participants reported injecting drugs with a needle or syringe previously
used by another in the past year. Of these, 70% reported engaging in sharing injection equipment with multiple persons. The unavailability of new needles and drinking alcohol were independently associated
with sharing injection equipment among the study participants.
Conclusions: IDUs who drank alcohol or who could not obtain new needles when needed were more likely to share injection equipment. Our results suggest that reducing alcohol use and increasing the availability of new needles and syringes might improve safer injection practices among male IDUs in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Keywords
- Injecting drug use,
- Sharing injection equipment,
- HIV prevention,
- Nepal
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring April 22, 2010
DOI
10.1016/j.drugpo.2010.03.006
Citation Information
Krishna C. Poudel, Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, Junko Yasuoka, Anand B. Joshi, et al.. "Correlates of sharing injection equipment among male injecting drug users in Kathmandu, Nepal (International Journal of Drug Policy)" International Journal of Drug Policy Vol. 21 Iss. 6 (2010) p. 507 - 510 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kalpana-poudel-tandukar/5/