PREVALENCE OF HIV AND ASSOCIATED RISK BEHAVIOR IN ATTENDEES AT A DUBLIN NEEDLE EXCHANGE

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of HIV infection a nd assess the level of equipment-sharing and unsafe sexual activity am ong attendees at a Dublin needle exchange. Using an anonymous unlinked approach, attendees were asked to complete a brief questionnaire and provide a sample of saliva for HIV testing. Of the 144 attendees eligi ble for inclusion during the study period, 106 agreed ro participate a nd complete a questionnaire, a response rate of 74%. Of the 81 respond ents who submitted a usable saliva sample, 14.8% were HIV positive. Ha lf of the respondents claimed that they had not shared equipment durin g the preceding 28 days, but a third had shared with multiple partners . Half of the respondents claimed that they had multiple sexual partne rs during the preceding year, but only a quarter said that they always used condoms. The prevalence of HIV infection is similar to that foun d in routine linked testing of drug users in Ireland. The high level o f unsafe injecting and sexual activity makes clear the need for more e ffective health promotion among drug users in Dublin.