Characteristics and utilization patterns of needle-exchange attendees in Chicago: 1994-1998

The objectives of this study were to describe characteristics and utilizati on patterns of participants attending a needle-exchange program (NEP) in Ch icago, Illinois. Since 1994, demographics of NEP attendees and program util ization data were collected systematically at 22 sites operated by the Chic ago Recovery Alliance (CRA). Descriptive statistics were used to assess tim e trends, site variations, and characteristics of attendees in day sites ve rsus evening sites. A total of 11,855 injection drug users (IDUs) visited t he NEP at least once from 1994 to 1998. Median age was 41 years, and 74% we re male. Overall race distribution was African-American 50%, Caucasian 38%, Puerto Rican 10%, other 2%. Over time, there was a proportional decrease i n African-American users (55.4% to 39.9%, P < .001), a significant increase in Puerto Rican users (1.4% to 14.1%, P < .001), and a stable proportion o f Caucasian users (42%). Each year, 15-20% of all clients were first-time a ttenders. Overall, participants attending evening versus day sites were you nger (median age 39 years vs. 42 years, P < .001) and more ethnically diver se. Over a 4-year period, this NEF reached a diverse population of IDUs and recruited a stable proportion of first-time users. Compared to daytime NEP venues, evening NEP sites attracted younger clients and those who were mor e diverse ethnically. To maximize coverage of sterile syringes, NEPs should strive for diversification in terms of hours of operation and location.