Factors associated with syringe exchange among injection drug users in Colombia

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze sociodemographic factors, injection behavior, and the prevalence of hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among injection drug users (IDUs) in five cities of Colombia.Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study of 1,123 people, using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Prevalence of hepatitis C and HIV was estimated. The association between sociodemographic factors, injection behavior, and prevalence of hepatitis C and HIV syringe exchange was established, and raw and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated.Results: Forty point three per cent of users share needles. Among IDUs, the HIV prevalence was 5.5%, and hepatitis C prevalence was 31.6%. Being male reduces the likelihood of sharing syringes. On the other hand, a secondary level of education, exchanging another part of the equipment and the increased consumption of crack are associated with syringe exchange.Conclusions: The existence of injector networks in cities of Colombia, and a lot of sharing of non-sterile and unclean injection equipment were recognized.

KEYWORDS:

• Drugs; HCV; HIV; injecte; drisk behaviors

Funding

Financing for this paper was done through an agreement between the Ministerio de Justicia y del Derecho and the Universidad CES in Medellín.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Financing for this paper was done through an agreement between the Ministerio de Justicia y del Derecho and the Universidad CES in Medellín.