CN BC: Needle-sharing Problem Grew After Fixed Exchange Closed, Researchers Say

9/2/2010

NEEDLE-SHARING PROBLEM GREW AFTER FIXED EXCHANGE CLOSED, RESEARCHERS SAY

Sharing of dirty needles by Victoria's injection-drug users increased substantially after the city's only fixed needle exchange closed in 2008, according to a study by the University of Victoria's Centre for Addictions Research of B.C.

And rates of needle sharing - a practice that contributes to the spread of hepatitis C and HIV - have remained significantly higher in Victoria than Vancouver over the past three years, researchers say.

"There's more reusing of needles as well. So people are using the same needle over and over again, which poses a number of other health problems like abscesses," said study co-author Andrew Ivsins, a UVic graduate student.

[Remainder snipped]

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