CHARACTERISTICS OF ATTENDERS OF LOW-THRES HOLD SYRINGE-EXCHANGE CENTERS IN SWITZERLAND

Background : The objectives of the present study were to evaluate Aids prevention in drug users attending low threshold centres providing st erile injection equipment in Switzerland to identify the characteristi cs of these users, and to monitor the progress of indicators of drug-r elated harm. Methods : This paper presents results from a cross-sectio nal survey carried out in 1994. Results : The mean age of attenders wa s 28 years, and women represented 27% of the sample. 75% of attenders used a combination of hard drugs (heroin and cocaine). Mean duration o f heroin consumption was 8 years, and of cocaine 7 years; 76% of atten ders had a fixed abode, but only 34% had stable employment; 45% were b eing treated with methadone; 9% had shared their injection material in the last 6 months; 24% always used condoms in the case of a stable re lationship, and 71% in casual relationships. In a cluster analysis con structed on the basis of multiple correspondence analysis, two distinc t profiles of users emerge : highly marginalised users with a high lev el of consumption (21%); irregular users, better integrated socially, of which the majority are under methadone treatment (79%). Conclusion : Theses centres play a major role in Aids prevention. Nevertheless, e fforts to improve the hygiene conditions of drug injection in Switzerl and should be pursued and extended. At the same time, prevention of HN sexual transmissions should be reinforced.