Impact of Citrate in UK Syringe Exchange Programmes
Author Information
Author(s): Caryl M Beynon, Jim McVeigh, Martin Chandler, Michelle Wareing, Mark A Bellis
Primary Institution: Centre for Public Health, Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University
Hypothesis
Did the introduction of citrate in syringe exchange programmes increase the number of heroin/crack injectors accessing these services?
Conclusion
The introduction of citrate did not negatively affect attendance at syringe exchange programmes, and some clients visited more frequently.
Supporting Evidence
- New clients collected significantly fewer syringes per visit post citrate than pre citrate.
- Longitudinal attenders increased their median number of visits from four to five post citrate.
- No significant changes were observed in the number of syringes collected per visit for established clients.
Takeaway
This study looked at how adding citrate to syringe exchange programs affected people who use heroin. It found that while some people visited more often, others got fewer syringes.
Methodology
Data from 11 syringe exchange programmes were analyzed for six months before and after citrate was introduced, comparing client visits and syringes dispensed.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in client reporting and data collection methods.
Limitations
The study only included data from 11 syringe exchange programmes in a specific region, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants included heroin and crack cocaine injectors, with a majority being male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < 0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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