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.