Preventing HIV Transmission

This volume addresses the interface of two major national problems: the epidemic of HIV-AIDS and the widespread use of illegal injection drugs. Should communities have the option of giving drug users sterile needles or bleach for cleaning needs in order to reduce the spread of HIV? Does needle distribution worsen the drug problem, as opponents of such programs argue? Do they reduce the spread of other serious diseases, such as hepatitis? Do they result in more used needles being carelessly discarded in the community? The panel takes a critical look at the available data on needle exchange and bleach distribution programs, reaches conclusions about their efficacy, and offers concrete recommendations for public policy to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. The book includes current knowledge about the epidemiologies of HIV/AIDS and injection drug use; characteristics of needle exchange and bleach distribution programs and views on those programs from diverse community groups; and a discussion of laws designed to control possession of needles, their impact on needle sharing among injection drug users, and their implications for needle exchange programs.Table of ContentsFRONT MATTEREXECUTIVE SUMMARYINTRODUCTIONPART 1 DIMENSIONS OF THE PROBLEM1 THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIV AND AIDS2 THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INJECTION DRUG USE3 NEEDLE EXCHANGE AND BLEACH DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES4 COMMUNITY VIEWS5 THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENTPART2 THE IMPACT OF NEEDLE EXCHANGE AND BLEACH DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS6 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BLEACH AS A DISINFECTANT OF INJECTION DRUG EQUIPMENT7 THE EFFECTS OF NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS8 DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCHAPPENDIXESA DESCRIPTION AND REVIEW OF RESEARCH PROJECTS IN THREE CITIESB PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION POSITIONS ON NEEDLE EXCHANGE AND BLEACH...C BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHESINDEX