Drug users attending pharmacy needle exchange sites in two UK towns (Grimsby and Scunthorpe) were invited to complete a confidential questionnaire which asked about their drug use, awareness of AIDS-related risk behaviour and perceptions of the exchange scheme. There were clear differences in the reported drug use in each area with a higher number of people in Grimsby injecting oral drugs. There was a small difference between the number of syringe sharers and non-sharers prior to joining the scheme although there was a considerable reduction in the extent of sharing once contact with the scheme was established. However, nearly one-half of those surveyed had re-used syringes. Furthermore, contact with the exchange scheme does not appear to have altered sexual risk behaviour. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the exchange scheme and the treatment they receive from the exchange pharmacists but several wanted to see greater pharmacy involvement. Sixty-two percent of respondents were already in c...