Drug use contexts and HIV-consequences: the effect of drug policy on patterns of everyday drug use in Rotterdam and the Bronx

摘要: Epidemiological data on HIV seroprevalence has been essential in assessing the (future) extent of AIDS epidemic. By coupling these with quantifiable variables related to injection drug use (frequency injecting, number needle sharing partners) specific 'risk behaviors' could be determined, accounting for rapid spread virus injecting user (IDU) population. Yet, such give little information social mechanisms and setting generating risk behaviors. In order understand transmission among IDU population one needs study micro settings context use. This paper describes explores certain patterns use, sharing, natural support systems found amongst IDUs two very different cities, Rotterdam (The Netherlands) Bronx, New York City (USA). specifying details micro-settings everyday both locales, it is possible identify common elements consequences personal behavior driven by per se (e.g. preference), differentiate from behaviors determined policy which actually occurs. These policies they create can turn shown relate risks transmission, e.g. increased likelihood equipment. A more careful ethnographic approach, taking advantage experimental opportunities, comparisons controls, may utilized examine drug-related their better assess relevance public health--especially AIDS.