A preliminary evaluation of a modified needle-cleaning intervention using bleach among injection drug users

This study examines an intervention designed to improve needle-cleaning pra ctices among injection drug users (IDUs) in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, to m eet the recommended bleach exposure time of at least 30 seconds. Simulated needle-cleaning practices were observed in offices at baseline and after an intervention at 2 to 4 week and 6-month follow-ups. Descriptive statistics , t-tests, logistic, and multiple regressions were used to examine behavior change and the correlates of safer cleaning practices. At baseline (n = 54 1), the mean bleach exposure time was 13.8 seconds. At first follow-up (n = 410), the mean bleach contact time (23.4 s) increased significantly (t = 8 .59; p < .05). At 6-month follow-up (n = 83), the mean bleach exposure time (21.1 s) also increased significantly (t = 2.98; p < .05). Longer bleach c ontact time was associated with higher injection frequency and needle trans fer at B-month follow-up. Although mean bleach exposure time increased sign ificantly at both follow-ups, only 30.3% of the IDUs kept bleach in the syr inge for at least 30 seconds at 6-month follow-up. Improved interventions a re needed.