[Evaluation of needle exchange program at Pereiro de Aguiar prison (Ourense, Spain): ten years of experience]. / Evaluación del Programa de Intercambio de Jeringuillas en el Centro Penitenciario de Pereiro de Aguiar (Ourense): diez años de experiencia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of NEPs in prison to reduce the prevalence of infections associated with intravenous drug use and to know more about acceptance of the program by inmates and staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: cross-sectional observational study at baseline, 6 and 12 months and 10 years of program development. Interviews were conducted with program users, as well as random sample surveys of officials at the various cuts, and a random sample of inmates from the centre after10 years. Activity indicators of the program were recorded continuously, and the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV at baseline and after 10 years was evaluated. For the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used with the Yates correction when necessary. RESULTS: In ten years we have supplied a total of 15,962 syringes to 429 users, (average 20.2 users/month), and 11,327 (70.9%) were returned. The prevalence of HIV infection decreased from 21% in 1999 to 8.5% in 2009, HCV prevalence from 40% to 26.1% (p <0.01), finding no significant differences in the prevalence of HBsAg +. Most of the inmates and civil servants believe that the program did not increase intravenous drug use and improves hygienic living conditions in prison. CONCLUSIONS: After ten years of development of the NEP, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of HIV and HCV in the prison population at the centre, and the program is accepted as beneficial by most of the inmates and staff participating in the survey.

Evaluación del Programa de Intercambio de Jeringuillas en el Centro Penitenciario de Pereiro de Aguiar (Ourense): diez años de experiencia / Evaluation of needle exchange program at Pereiro de Aguiar prison (Ourense, Spain): ten years of experience

Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de un programa de intercambio de jeringuillas (PIJ) en una prisión para reducir la prevalencia de infecciones asociadas al uso de drogas intravenosas, y conocer la aceptación del programa por internos y funcionarios del centro penitenciario. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional con cortes transversales al inicio, 6 y 12 meses y 10 años de desarrollo del programa. Se realizaron entrevistas a los usuarios del programa y encuestas a muestras accidentales de funcionarios en los distintos cortes, y a una muestra aleatoria de internos a los 10 años. Se registraron diariamente los indicadores de actividad del programa, y se valoró la prevalencia de infección por VIH, hepatitis B y C al inicio y a los 10 años. Para el análisis estadístico utilizamos la prueba ji-cuadrado con la corrección de Yates en caso necesario. Resultados: Durante estos diez años se suministraron 15.962 jeringuillas a 429 usuarios (media de 20,2 usuarios/mes), recuperándose 11.327 (70,9%). La prevalencia de infección por VIH pasó del 21% en 1999 al 8,5% en 2009, la de VHC del 40% al 26,1% (p<0,01). La mayoría de internos y funcionarios consideran que el programa no incrementa el consumo de drogas intravenosas y que mejora las condiciones higiénicas de vida en la prisión. Conclusiones: Tras diez años de PIJ, se observa un significativo descenso en la prevalencia de infección por VIH y por VHC en la población reclusa del centro, y el programa es aceptado como beneficioso por la mayoría de los internos y funcionarios encuestados(AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of NEPs in prison to reduce the prevalence of infections associated with intravenous drug use and to know more about acceptance of the program by inmates and staff. Material and methods: cross-sectional observational study at baseline, 6 and 12 months and 10 years of program development. Interviews were conducted with program users, as well as random sample surveys of officials at the various cuts, and a random sample of inmates from the centre after10 years. Activity indicators of the program were recorded continuously, and the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV at baseline and after 10 years was evaluated. For the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used with the Yates correction when necessary. Results: In ten years we have supplied a total of 15,962 syringes to 429 users, (average 20.2 users/month), and 11,327 (70.9%) were returned. The prevalence of HIV infection decreased from 21% in 1999 to 8.5% in 2009, HCV prevalence from 40% to 26.1% (p <0.01), finding no significant differences in the prevalence of HBsAg +. Most of the inmates and civil servants believe that the program did not increase intravenous drug use and improves hygienic living conditions in prison. Conclusions: After ten years of development of the NEP, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of HIV and HCV in the prison population at the centre, and the program is accepted as beneficial by most of the inmates and staff participating in the survey(AU)