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HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RELATED TO THE EVALUATION OF AN ILLEGAL NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM. Debra Harris, Ph.D., California State University, Fresno. Needle Exchange Program (NEP) - Fresno, California. Needles Exchanged in 1 hour – 10,000 used needles Number of Individual Attending - 150.
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HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RELATED TO THE EVALUATION OF AN ILLEGAL NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM Debra Harris, Ph.D., California State University, Fresno
Needle Exchange Program (NEP) - Fresno, California Needles Exchanged in 1 hour – 10,000 used needles Number of Individual Attending - 150
Problem • 1.1 million people in the U.S. – HIV • 3.9 million in the U.S. – Hepatitis C • Transmission – illegal drug activity • Fresno Board of Supervisors – NEP encourage needle use
Aim of Program • Decrease HIV & Hepatitis C • Encourage Treatment • Seek Legalization – Fresno County Board of Supervisors
Aim of Evaluation / Method • Evaluate Participant Behavior – • Does the NEP have an effect on needle sharing? • Does the NEP have an effect on needle re-use? • Do people enroll in treatment? • Institutional Review Board – approved! • Quantitative Survey • Individual Interviews – researcher and students • No Rewards
Results of Evaluation • 106 Individuals Interviewed • Gender • Male – 67.9% (72) • Females – 32.1% (34) • Age – 44.4 years • HIV Positive – 4.5% (5) • Hepatitis C – 39.6 (42) • Drug Used • Heroine 68.9% (73) • Methamphetamine 38.7% (41)
Results of Evaluation (continued) • Few Individuals Sought Drug Treatment
Result of Evaluation (continued) • Sharing Needles – Significant difference between those who shared before compared to those who shared after the NEP • Controlled for Gender – Males significant; not females • Re-Using Needles – Significant difference between those who shared before compared to those who shared after the NEP • Controlled for Gender – Males significant; not females
Human Rights Issues Related to Evalution (lessons learned) • Drug Using Individuals • Health Care Access • Treatment • Professionals • Free From Jail • Public Opinion