PSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF NEEDLE SHARING AMONG INTRAVENOUS-DRUG-USERS

This study examined the relationship between health beliefs and needle sharing in a sample of 226 heroin detoxification clients. Zero-order correlations revealed that needle sharing was positively associated wi th perceived susceptibility and AIDS anxiety, and negatively associate d with self-efficacy and communication skill in negotiating safe needl e practices. Logistic regression analysis showed that demographic and situational factors also play a role in needle sharing. White race and injection of drugs in shooting galleries or other public places incre ase the odds of sharing a ''dirty'' needle, while that probability dec reases sharply as a function of drug users' self-efficacy. This last f inding suggests that preventive clinical interventions such as counsel ing or psychoeducational groups maybe needed to help drug users develo p confidence in resisting needle sharing.