HIV/AIDS Prevention: Syringe-exchange programs prevent HIV transmission yet remain controversial

AIDSWEEKLY Plus; Monday, July 10, 2006
Staff Medical Writers

According to a recent report from the United States, “Injection drug users and their sexual partners and children represent an increasing proportion of Americans living with HIV or AIDS.”

“Syringe-exchange programs (SEPs), which are based on the theory of harm reduction, are effective in preventing the transmission of HIV and other pathogens through injection drug use.”

“Most programs also serve as gateways to other vital medical services. Yet SEPs remain controversial,” said H. Villarreal and colleagues at St. Anselm College in Manchester.

Investigators concluded, “This article describes the controversy, considers the evidence, and discusses the nursing implications.”

Villarreal and colleagues published their study in American Journal of Nursing (Syringe-exchange programs and HIV prevention. Am J Nurs. 2006 May;106(5):58-63).

For more information, contact H. Villarreal, St. Anselm College, Dept. Nursing, 100 St. Anselm Dr., POB 1745, Manchester, NH 03102, USA.

Publisher contact information for the American Journal of Nursing is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States, HIV/AIDS, Syringe-Exchange Program, Transmission Prevention, Controversy.

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

Reference

Villarreal H, Fogg C., “Syringe-exchange programs and HIV prevention: if they're effective, what's the controversy?”, Am J Nurs. 2006 May;106(5):58-63.

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