Needle Access as an AIDS Prevention Strategy for IV Drug Users: A Research Perspective

The AIDS crisis has forced the consideration of controversial prevention strategies, including the public distribution of sterile syringes and needles as a public heath measure. Because this strategy appears to some to condone IV drug use, it has met with considerable opposition. Arguing for the importance of a research approach to evaluating the health costs and benefits of needle exchange, this paper reviews existing studies and reports on needle exchange programs, IV drug user attitudes and behavior relative to needle sharing, and public attitudes on needle access. to draw public health policy recommendations.