Reducing Health Problems Associated With Injection Drug Use

Injection drug use (IDU) is a major public health problem that is associated with a host of
medical complications, including blood-borne viral disease (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis C) and
bacterial infections (e.g., skin abscesses, endocarditis), that often result from high-risk
drug injection practices. There are no current interventions designed to reduce bacterial
infections among IDUs, despite high rates of infection.

The objective of this study is to develop and test the efficacy of a skin and needle hygiene
intervention for IDUs to reduce practices associated with bacterial and viral infections. In
the first phase of the study, focus group interviews were conducted to determine key areas
of emphasis for an intervention with this population. An initial intervention was developed,
pilot tested, and refined. The final 2-session intervention combines psychoeducation,
skill-building, and motivational interviewing.

Following refinement of the intervention, a small randomized controlled trial (n = 60; 30 in
each group) to examine the efficacy of the intervention compared to an assessment-only
condition will be conducted. The goals of this two-year study are to: 1) reduce high-risk
injection practices among active IDUs that lead to bacterial and viral infections, 2)
improve skin and needle cleaning behavioral skills, and 3) increase skin cleaning prior to
injection and reduce subcutaneous/intramuscular injection.

In addition to examining these goals over a six-month period, the acceptability and
feasibility of the intervention will be examined.