Correlates of receptive and distributive needle sharing among injection drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2008;34(1):91-100. doi: 10.1080/00952990701764771.

Abstract

We describe receptive and distributive needle/syringe sharing among injection drug users (IDUs) in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this cross-sectional study, IDUs completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression identified correlates of needle sharing in the last six months. Receptive and distributive sharing in the last six months were reported by 28.2% and 28.7% of participants, respectively, and were both independently associated with reported difficulty obtaining new syringes (Receptive sharing: AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.66-4.06; Distributive: AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02-2.39). Receptive and distributive sharing are common among IDU in Kabul; scaling up availability of sterile, no-cost injecting equipment is urgently needed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Afghanistan / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disinfection / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Needle Sharing / psychology
  • Needle Sharing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prisoners / psychology
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk-Taking
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Syringes / statistics & numerical data
  • Syringes / supply & distribution