High Prevalence of Abscesses and Cellulitis Among Community-Recruited Injection Drug Users in San Francisco

摘要: The prevalence of and risk factors for abscesses cellulitis were investigated among a community sample injection drug users (IDUs). Participants interviewed, those with symptoms examined. Of 169 IDUs, 54 (32%) had ( ), n= 35 or both ); 27% lanced their own abscesses; 16% self-treated 5 14 antibiotics they purchased on the street. IDUs who skin-popped (injected subcutaneously intramuscularly) more likely to have an abscess than injected only intravenously (odds ratio, 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.2‐11). likelihood increased frequency skin-popping decreased increasing duration use. Abscesses are extremely prevalent in San Francisco. Skin-popping is major factor, self-treatment common. common problem Few previous studies examined IDUs. In this cross-sectional survey street-recruited we estimated by examining all participants reported local infection. We also these infections related behaviors.