Trends in drug consumption and risk of transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus among injecting drug users in Switzerland, 1993-2006

• DOI: 10.2807/ese.13.21.18881-en
• Publication Date: 2017-10-04T10:08:51Z
• Authors: F Dubois-Arber; H Balthasar; T Huissoud; F Zobel; S Arnaud; S Samitca; A Jeannin; D Schnoz; J P Gervasoni
• Keywords: Needle sharing; Injection drug use; Hepatitis C; harm reduction; Cross-sectional study; Consumption

As a part of the HIV behavioural surveillance system in Switzerland, repeated cross-sectional surveys were conducted 1993, 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2006 among attenders all low threshold facilities (LTFs) with needle exchange programmes and/or supervised drug consumption rooms for injection or inhalation Switzerland. Data collected each LTF over five consecutive days, using questionnaire that was partly completed by an interviewer self administered. The structured around three topics: socio-demographic characteristics, consumption, health risk/preventive behaviour. Analysis restricted to who had injected drugs during their lifetime (IDUs). Between 1993 2006, median age IDUs rose 10 years. are severely marginalised social situation has improved little. borrowing used equipment (syringe already other person) last six months decreased (16.5% 8.9% 2006) but stayed stable at 10% past surveys. Other risk behaviour, such as sharing spoons, cotton water, reported more frequently, although also showed decreasing trend. prevalence remained fairly between 2006; levels hepatitis C virus (HCV) high (56.4% 2006). In conclusion, overall decrease practice reduced potential transmission infections. However HCV is this particular concern, current behaviour indicates further spreading infection. Another noteworthy trend significant condom use case paid sex.