Sharing of Injection Equipment among 3755 Intravenous Drug Users in Valencia, Spain, 1987–1992

Abstract

Our results suggest that different subgroups of IVDU have different characteristics that place them at different risk for HIV-1 infection. These characteristics should guide the design and intensity of specific preventive interventions. Teenagers and IVDU with low educational levels should be targetted for special attention by health authorities.

Prospective cohort study of female sex workers and the risk of HIV infection in Alicante, Spain (1986-96).

“…In addition, studies of IDU in the same geographic area have shown that the HIV-1 prevalence among male IDU was 50%, and that 40% of these male IDU reported to have at least one contact with prostitutes, either having sex with prostitutes or with their girlfriends, in all cases with a low proportion using condoms in their sexual practices. [15][16][17] Thus, regular partners of female sex workers probably play an essential role on the risk and the control of the infection, as this group of people may be very reluctant to use any intervention aimed at reducing the risk of HIV infection. With respect to this question, couple counselling in combination with social support has been suggested as an eVective means of promoting and maintaining behaviour change among HIV infected people and their heterosexual partners.…”

The shifting pattern of cause‐specific mortality in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus‐infected and non‐infected injecting drug users

“…Informed consent was obtained from all individuals. More details on these centres can be found in previous studies [26–29]. The cohort was divided into two groups, seropositive (HIV‐positive) and seronegative (HIV‐negative) according to results for the HIV test performed on the first visit of these subjects to the centres.…”

The characteristics of 'new users' of cocaine and heroin unknown to treatment agencies: results from the Swiss Hidden Population Study

“…Better knowledge regarding this matter is important, especially in the light of evidence showing that, in comparison to older and experienced drug users, young and recent-onset drug users are more exposed to health risks in general [8][9][10] and HIV infections in particular. [11][12][13] In the Swiss context this is a cause for concern, given that young and recent-onset drug users appear to be underrepresented at harm reduction facilities such as needle exchange schemes [14][15][16] or other lowthreshold socio-medical services (ambulant care, counselling, housing, work projects, etc.). [17][18][19] Reports on rst treatment demands in the cities of Zurich and Geneva show that rst contacts with treatment agencies are established, on average, 5-7 years after the onset of heroin or cocaine use.…”