human rights issues related to the evaluation of an illegal needle exchange program

HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RELATED TO THE EVALUATION OF AN ILLEGAL NEEDLE EXCHANGE

PROGRAMDebra Harris, Ph.D., California State University,

Fresno

Needle Exchange Program (NEP) - Fresno, CaliforniaNeedles Exchanged in 1 hour – 10,000 used needlesNumber of Individual Attending - 150

Needle Exchange Program - Fresno

Needle Exchange Program - Fresno

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

• Fresno Board of Supervisors – denied any approval