Document 0227
 DOCN  M9590227
 TI    Survey of HIV seroprevalence and related risk behaviour at 3 Sydney
       needle exchanges.
 DT    9509
 AU    MacDonald M; Wodak A; van Beek I; Swift K; Taylor G; Cunningham P; Dolan
       K; Kelaher M; Moore T; Kaldor J; National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and
       Clinical Research,; Darlinghurst, NSW.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:299 (unnumbered poster).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291872
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of HIV and related risk behaviour
       among IDU attending 3 needle exchange centres in Sydney and to assess
       the feasibility of carrying out routine surveillance in this setting.
       METHODS: Over a one week survey in February 1994, clients attending 3
       needle exchange centres in Sydney were asked to complete a brief
       self-administered questionnaire and provide either a finger prick blood
       spot or a saliva specimen. Information was sought on demographic
       characteristics, injecting and sexual behaviour, history of methadone
       treatment, prison experience and HIV status. RESULTS: Completed
       questionnaires were received from 276 individual respondents out of
       approximately 370 approached, and specimens were provided by 274
       respondents. There was no difference in the response rate for blood and
       saliva sampling although the centre staff reported that saliva sampling
       had less impact on the service. The HIV prevalence overall was 5%
       (14/274) and was significantly higher in men who described themselves as
       gay compared to males and females who described themselves as
       heterosexual (33% vs 3%, p < 0.001). Unsafe injecting in the last month
       was reported by 20% and unprotected sex in the last 12 months by 54%.
       CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of attenders were willing to complete a
       questionnaire and provide a specimen almost all of which were suitable
       for analysis. The survey did not impair the functioning of needle
       exchanges, particularly if additional staff was provided for the survey
       week. On the basis of this pilot study, HIV transmission through the
       sharing of injecting equipment remains infrequent in Sydney.
 DE    Feasibility Studies  Female  Health Surveys  Human  HIV
       Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*TRANSMISSION  HIV Seroprevalence/*TRENDS  Male
       Needle-Exchange Programs/*STATISTICS & NUMER DATA  New South
       Wales/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Risk Factors  Sex Behavior  Urban
       Population/*STATISTICS & NUMER DATA  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).