Feasibility of needle and syringe programs in Tajikistan distributing low dead space needles

Harm Reduction Journal

David Otiashvili¹  Alisher Latypov²  Steffani Bangel³  William A. Zule⁴  Georgiy V. Bobashev⁴ 

[1] Addiction Research Center - Alternative Georgia;Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Columbia University;Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies;RTI International;

关键词: People who inject drugs;    Central Asia;    Heroin;    Implementation science;    Syringe exchange;    Needle exchange;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12954-018-0249-3

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background In 2012, the World Health Organization recommended that needle and syringe programs offer their clients low dead space insulin syringes with permanently attached needles. However, in many countries, these syringes are not acceptable to a majority of people who inject drugs. This study assessed the feasibility of working with needle and syringe programs to implement the WHO recommendation using low dead space detachable needles. The study also assessed the acceptability of the needles. Methods Two needle and syringe programs in Tajikistan—one in Kulob and one in Khudjand—received 25,000 low dead space detachable needles each. The programs distributed low dead space detachable needles and a marketing flyer that emphasized the relative advantages of the needles. Each program also enrolled 100 participants, and each participant completed a baseline interview and a 2-month follow-up interview. Results At follow-up, 100% of participants reported trying the low dead space detachable needles, and 96% reported that they liked using the needles. Both needle and syringe programs distributed all their needles within the first 60 days of the project indicating use of the needles, even among clients who did not participate in the study. Conclusions This project demonstrates that it is feasible for needle and syringe programs to offer and promote low dead space needles to their clients. The findings indicate that low dead space needles are acceptable to needle and syringe program clients in these Tajikistan cities. To reduce HIV and hepatitis C virus transmission, needle and syringe programs should offer low dead space needles, low dead space insulin syringes in addition to standard needles, and syringes to their clients.

【 授权许可】

Unknown