Access to Sterile Syringes by Injection Drug Users in Puerto Rico

摘要: A variety of studies have concluded that a primary reason injection drug users (IDUs), their sexual partners, and children continue to be infected with HIV is the lack access sterile syringes. The present study employed ethnographic interviews observations examine syringes by IDUs in Puerto Rico between July 1995 June 1997, time characterized absence legal restrictions on sale possession presence government-sponsored needle exchange program. Sources identified severely addicted injectors two metropolitan San Juan communities are described compared, reasons one source rather than another explored. Detailed descriptions sources syringe acquisition provide basis for discussing: 1) challenges confront program; 2) potential use private sellers pharmacies increase IDUs' syringes, referr...