How does syringe distribution in prison affect consumption of illegal drugs by prisoners?

Drug injection and syringe sharing is common among IDUs in prison, As a con sequence, the prevalence of blood-borne viral infections is several-fold hi gher in prison than in the corresponding communities. Prisoners have been d enied access to syringe exchange programmes, even though they have been pro ven to be highly effective in community settings. A 12-month harm reduction programme which included syringe exchange was introduced into the only fem ale prison (Hindelbank) in Switzerland, The programme was studied for 12 mo nths (pilot phase). After the programme was completed, there was follow-up 12 months later (follow-up phase). Baseline data were collected on 137 of 1 61 prisoners. Follow up-data were collected on 57 of 64 prisoners. Particip ants were interviewed several times about their use and injection of drugs and their shared use of syringes. Additional data on the number of syringes exchanged were also collected. Reports of drug use and injection in prison did not increase. The exchange of syringes was related to drug availabilit y. Frequency of drug use increased in relation to duration of incarceration . Frequency of drug use decreased the longer the project had been implement ed. None of the main arguments raised against the introduction of syringe d istribution into prison, such as assault or an increase in drug injecting, was evident in this study. The results, although limited by the nature and the size of the prison, suggest that syringe exchange has a role in the pri son setting.