Risk reduction for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among intravenous drug users. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Risk reduction for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among intravenous drug users.

Ann Intern Med. 1985 Nov;103(5):755-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/86023894
Des Jarlais DC; Friedman SR; Hopkins W

Abstract: Intravenous drug users are the second largest risk group for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and a bridge to two other groups: children and heterosexual partners. In the absence of effective treatment or vaccines, control of the epidemic among drug users will rely on efforts to reduce needle sharing. However, the traditional image of intravenous drug users leads one to expect little or no risk reduction. We review characteristics of AIDS as a disease that impede efforts at risk reduction among drug users and report on current risk reduction among intravenous drug users in New York City. There has been a sustained increase in the demand for new, unused needles, as shown in the emergence of resealed needles and in interviews with persons selling needles in illicit drug-purchasing areas.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/ TRANSMISSION Attitude to Health Behavior Commerce Health Education Human Injections, Intravenous Interviews Needles New York City Perception Risk Substance Abuse/*COMPLICATIONS/MORTALITY/PSYCHOLOGY Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/KWDprevention&control/transmissionattitudetohealthbehaviorcommercehealtheducationhumaninjections,intravenousinterviewsneedlesnewyorkcityperceptionrisksubstanceabuse/KWDcomplications/mortality/psychologysupport,non-uKWDsKWDgov'tsupport,uKWDsKWDgov't,pKWDhKWDsKWDjournalarticle
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M8610142

Copyright © 1986 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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