Title |
State laws, syringe exchange, and HIV among persons who inject drugs in the United States: History and effectiveness
|
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Published in |
Journal of Public Health Policy, January 2015
|
DOI | 10.1057/jphp.2014.54 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Heidi Bramson, Don C Des Jarlais, Kamyar Arasteh, Ann Nugent, Vivian Guardino, Jonathan Feelemyer, Derek Hodel |
Abstract |
In 1981, when acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first observed among persons who inject drugs, almost all US states had laws criminalizing the possession and distribution of needles and syringes for injecting illicit drugs. We reviewed changes to these laws to permit 'syringe exchanges' and the provision of public funding for such programs. Most of the changes in law occurred during the 1990s, 5-10 years later than in many other countries. Public funding of syringe exchanges is associated with lower rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, greater numbers of syringes distributed (a possible causal mechanism), and greater numbers of health and social services provided. Experience in the United states may prove useful in other countries: state, provincial, and local governments may need to move ahead of central governments in addressing HIV infection among persons who inject drugs.Journal of Public Health Policy advance online publication, 15 January 2015; doi:10.1057/jphp.2014.54. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 4 | 36% |
United Kingdom | 2 | 18% |
Australia | 2 | 18% |
Ireland | 1 | 9% |
Unknown | 2 | 18% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 7 | 64% |
Scientists | 2 | 18% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 2 | 18% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 72 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 14 | 19% |
Student > Bachelor | 10 | 14% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 9 | 13% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 8 | 11% |
Researcher | 7 | 10% |
Other | 7 | 10% |
Unknown | 17 | 24% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 15 | 21% |
Social Sciences | 7 | 10% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 6 | 8% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 4 | 6% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 2 | 3% |
Other | 12 | 17% |
Unknown | 26 | 36% |