The needle-borne HIV epidemic: causes and public health responses.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

The needle-borne HIV epidemic: causes and public health responses.

Behav Sci Law. 1991 Summer;9(3):287-304. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/93905328
Gostin L; American Society of Law & Medicine, Boston, MA 02215.

Abstract: Needle sharing among intravenous drug users is fueling the modern HIV epidemic. A public health approach to needle-borne infection has three components: prevention and education, availability of sterile injection equipment, and drug treatment. This essay examines the most controversial aspect of this strategy--sterile needle distribution and exchange. The sharing of drug injection equipment is the critical factor in the transmission of HIV in the drug using population. Sharing is not merely a learned response, but is also the result of a limited supply of needles and syringes. Limiting the supply of sterile equipment results from a policy choice which includes: (i) the adoption of drug paraphernalia statutes which criminalize the possession of equipment with the intention of using it for drug injection; (ii) the adoption of needle prescription statutes which criminalize the sale of needles and syringes without a medical prescription; and (iii) the failure to adopt a comprehensive program for the distribution, exchange, or sterilization of equipment. A public health approach to reduce the needle-borne HIV epidemic would repeal needle prescription laws, limit drug paraphernalia laws so they apply only to illicit sellers, and establish needle exchange programs with an array of education and drug treatment services attached.

Keywords: *HIV Infections/TRANSMISSION *Needle Sharing/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD *Needles/SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION *Substance Abuse, Intravenous/COMPLICATIONS
931130
M93B5846

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1993. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .