Sharing needles common among injecting drug users, even those treated for hep C

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-04-18 03:00

Australia; NSW

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Australian experts say needle and syringe sharing is common among injecting drug users who attend drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs.  They surveyed 1,555 Aussies who had injected drugs in the past month, and found 432 (28%) had shared needles or syringes with other users, and 276 (18%) had used a needle or syringe after it had been used by someone else (receptive sharing). Younger people, those recently released from prison, heavier users, and those with insecure housing were the most likely to have engaged in receptive sharing. Among 560 people who had been treated for hepatitis C, 87 (16%) reported receptive sharing, with younger users and more frequent users the most likely to have used someone else's needle or syringe after them. Further research is needed to help curb risky needle-sharing behaviour among injecting drug users and optimise treatment for hepatitis C, the researchers conclude.