摘要：To assess the prevalence of improperly discarded syringes and to examine syringe disposal practices of injection drug users (IDUs) in San Francisco, we visually inspected 1000 random city blocks and conducted a survey of 602 IDUs. We found 20 syringes on the streets we inspected. IDUs reported disposing of 13% of syringes improperly. In multivariate analysis, obtaining syringes from syringe exchange programs was found to be protective against improper disposal, and injecting in public places was predictive of improper disposal. Few syringes posed a public health threat. Needlestick injuries resulting from injection drug users (IDUs) improperly disposing of syringes present a potential risk of transmission of viral infections such as hepatitis and HIV to community members, sanitation workers, law enforcement officers, and hospital workers. 1 – 8 There have been no reports of HIV, HBV, or HCV seroconversion among children who incurred accidental needlesticks. 6 , 7 , 9 – 11 Among IDUs, syringe exchange program (SEP) utilization is associated with proper disposal of used syringes. 12 – 16 In 2007, the San Francisco Chronicle published a series of articles containing anecdotal reports of widespread improper disposal of syringes on city streets and in Golden Gate Park. The reports implied that SEPs were responsible for improper disposal of syringes. 17 – 19 Concerned about public safety, the San Francisco Department of Public Health worked with other researchers to (1) determine the prevalence of improperly discarded syringes in San Francisco, and (2) examine syringe disposal practices of IDUs.
