Length of Time Injecting and its Association with Receptive Syringe Sharing among Persons Who Inject Drugs in Philadelphia, PA

Abstract

Injection drug use has reached epidemic rates in the United States. Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk for blood borne diseases such as HIV and HCV, due to their injection behaviors. Different factors interact and may determine injectors’ sharing behaviors. Age has been determined to be a significant predictive variable in numerous studies. This study attempted to show that length of time injecting is also a significant predictor of sharing behaviors. Using multivariate logistic regression, this study examines length of time an individual has been injecting as it relates to receptive syringe sharing. Receptive syringe sharing, using a syringe after another individual, presents the greatest risk for contracting blood borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis C. Utilizing National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System data from PWID in Philadelphia, PA, results indicate that neither age of the injector nor experience are significant predictors of RSS. However, history of being homeless and race, identifying as White, non-Hispanic, are both significant predictors of RSS in an adjusted multivariate model. Based on these findings, current strategies to address risk behavior may not adequately address those most at risk for RSS. This paper concludes with recommendations for increased targeted interventions among those PWID with greater housing instability. The aim of this recommendation is to decrease receptive syringe sharing and ameliorate HIV and HCV infection risk.