Needle exchange services: a profile of service users in community pharmacies and other settings

Abstract

Abstract Objective To compare client profiles and activity data from the pharmacy needle exchanges (PNEXs) with other needle exchanges (NEXs) in a UK city. Method Routinely collected data from four types of needle exchange services were used to analyse levels of activity and user profiles. Simple descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Setting In Glasgow, Scotland, at the time of the study NEX was provided at four key facilities: (1) PNEXs; (2) drug treatment service sites (Glasgow Drug Problem Service, GDPS); (3) a drop-in service for female prostitutes (Base 75); and (4) a service based in a 24-hour crisis assessment and treatment centre (Glasgow Drug Crisis Centre, GDCC). Key findings A total of 1074 455 needles/syringes were issued during the study period. Over half of all needles and syringes were issued from PNEXs (52%; 558 176) compared with 15% (162431) from GDPS, 5% (59 348) from the Base 75 exchange and 27% (294 500) from the GDCC. The return rate at PNEXs was 86% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85.90–86.10%) and was significantly higher than both GDCC (70%, 95% CI 69.80–70.19%) and Base 75 (25%, 95% CI 24.31–25.69%). A significantly greater proportion of needles and syringes were returned to the GDPS (94%, 95% CI 93.88–94.12%) than to PNEXs (86%). A significantly greater proportion of female clients attended GDCC (30%, 95% CI 27.41–32.59%) than the PNEXs (25%, 95% CI 23.80–26.20%). Conclusion PNEXs attract large numbers of injectors to use the service and have a high return rate of needles and syringes issued. A diverse population uses PNEXs. In order to meet the needs of different groups of injecting drug users, a variety of NEX facilities is needed, including out of hours services and exchanges for women, especially those in crisis or involved in prostitution.