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Original Article

Needle Sharing Among Puerto Rican Injection Drug Users in Puerto Rico and Massachusetts: Place of Birth and Residence Matter

, MSW, PhD, , MSW, MPH, PhD & , MA, PhD
Pages 1605-1622 | Published online: 03 May 2010
 

Abstract

This study explored whether place of birth and residence was associated with needle sharing for Puerto Rican injection drug users (IDUs) (N = 348). In-person interviews were conducted in Puerto Rico and Massachusetts during 2005–2007. Multivariate regression analyses revealed IDUs born and living in Puerto Rico were four times more likely to have shared needles compared to those residing in Massachusetts. Respondents residing in Massachusetts were 76% less likely to have ever shared needles with an HIV-positive individual, controlling for covariates. Findings highlight the increased HIV-risk of Puerto Rican IDUs born and residing in Puerto Rico. Prevention and treatment needs are discussed.

Compartiendo jeringuillas entre Puertorriqueños usuarios de drogas inyectables en Puerto Rico y Massachusetts: el lugar de nacimiento y residencia importa

Abstracto

Este estudio explora si el lugar de nacimiento y residencia están asociados con el compartir jeringuillas entre Puertorriqueños usuarios de drogas inyectables (UDI) (N = 348). Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas en persona en Puerto Rico y Massachusetts durante el 2005–2007. El análisis de regresión múltiple reveló que entre los UDIs nacidos y viviendo en Puerto Rico era 4 veces más probable que compartieran jeringuillas que los que residían en Massachusetts. Entre los participantes que residían en Massachusetts era 76% menos probable el haber compartido jeringuillas con individuos VIH positivos, controlando por las covariables. Estos resultados destacan el aumento de riesgo de VIH para los Puertorriqueños que residen en Puerto Rico. Implicaciones para la prevención y el tratamiento son discutidas.

Le partage des seringues chez les utilisateurs Portoricains de drogues injectables à Puerto Rico et au Massachusetts; l’importance du lieu de naissance et de résidence

RÉSUME

Cette étude cherche à déterminer la relation entre le lieu de naissance et de résidence et le partage des seringues chez les utilisateurs de drogues injectables (UDI) Portoricains. (N = 348). Des entrevues en face-à-face ont été réalisées à Puerto Rico et au Massachusetts de 2005 à 2007. Une analyse de régression multiple révèle que les UDIs qui sont nés et qui résident à Puerto Rico ont quatre fois plus de chances d’avoir partagé des seringues que ceux qui résident au Massachussets. Les répondants qui résident au Massachussets ont 76% moins de chances de partager des seringues avec un individu porteur du VIH, toutes corrélations contrôlées. Les résultats soulignent l’accroissement du risque de contracter le VIH pour les UDIs Portoricains qui sont nés et qui résident à Puerto Rico. La prévention et les besoins de traitement sont également abordés.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge Tapestry—Health Services, Springfield, MA, funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Grant # TI14430. We are grateful to Boston University School of Social Work Dean's grant (2006), and to Plaza Corazón Program Director, and to outreach staff in Puerto Rico. Finally, thanks to all participants for their willingness to share their stories.

THE AUTHORS

Dr. Zerden's research interests focus on HIV/AIDS, sexual risk behaviors, substance abuse, cross-cultural prevention and intervention efforts, and program evaluation. She has conducted fieldwork in both South Africa, her native country, and on the island of Puerto Rico. Most recently, Dr. Zerden was a project director at the Boston University Center for Addictions Research and Services. She currently lectures at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Social Work in the policy department.

Dr. López is an Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Social Work. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and completed a Ph.D in social work and Masters in public health from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her research and practice interests are in the areas of substance abuse with Latinos and other diverse groups; trauma due to violence; Latino culture; HIV prevention/microbicide and group work. Dr. López has also facilitated cultural competency and leadership trainings in substance abuse programs.

Dr. Lundgren is a Professor and Director of Research at the Boston University School of Social Work. Dr. Lundgren conducts large-scale quantitative research efforts on the relationship between injection drug use, substance abuse treatment utilization, and the spread of HIV. Her current research focus is on health disparities and especially disparities in access to substance abuse treatment. She is also conducting a national study of the capacity of community-based organizations to implement evidence-based treatment as mandated through federal policy.

Notes

1 The frequency of heroin injected in past month was used over other drugs (cocaine or speedball, for example) due to the fact that heroin use was the most prevalent drug used among sample participants.

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