Harm reduction knowledge and information exchange among secondary distributors in Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Aims: Secondary syringe distribution involves the acquisition of injecting equipment by people who inject drugs (PWID) from authorized or ‘safe' sources to be distributed to their peers. This article describes the characteristics of those who regularly engage in secondary distribution in Sydney, Australia, and their levels of knowledge about harm reduction.

Methods: Data were collected through a cross-sectional study using surveys collected from PWID recruited from 35 pharmacies in metropolitan and regional Sydney. A two-page self-complete survey was distributed by pharmacy staff to each person buying or exchanging needles and syringes.

Findings: Of the 602 participants in this study, 114 (18.9%) responded that they regularly engaged in secondary distribution. Despite no significant difference in knowledge about hepatitis C (HCV) transmission, secondary distributors were more likely than non-distributors to tell others specifically about how to get treatment for drug use (40.4% vs 30.2%, p = 0.04), and where to get sterile needles (64.0% vs 45.8%, p = 0.001), alcohol swabs or filters for injecting (41.2% vs 25.9%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: While overall secondary distributors were no more likely to pass on harm reduction information, secondary distributors were significantly more likely to tell others about some specific pieces of information, including where to get ancillary injecting equipment, where to get tested for HCV, and how to get treatment for drug use.