Table 2 Univariable and multivariable GEE analyses of factors associated with requiring assistance with injecting among PWID in Vancouver, Canada (n = 1119)

Interview year

 (per year later)

0.95 (0.92–0.99)

0.95 (0.92–0.99)

0.90 (0.87–0.94)

0.93 (0.89–0.97)

Ethnicity

 (Caucasian vs. other)

1.09 (0.80–1.49)

1.29 (0.91–1.81)

Education

 (<high school diploma vs. ≥high school diploma)

1.14 (0.85–1.53)

0.95 (0.66–1.35)

Currently in a stable relationship

 (yes vs. no)

1.20 (0.99–1.47)

1.05 (0.86–1.28)

Homeless^a

 (yes vs. no)

1.10 (0.91–1.32)

1.53 (1.23–1.90)

Sex work^a

 (yes vs. no)

2.67 (1.48–4.80)

2.17 (1.18–3.99)

1.48 (1.21–1.82)

Incarcerated^a

 (yes vs. no)

1.08 (0.86–1.34)

1.57 (1.19–2.09)

Victim of violence^a

 (yes vs. no)

1.35 (1.13–1.62)

1.24 (1.03–1.48)

1.56 (1.26–1.93)

1.31 (1.06–1.62)

Years since first injection

 (per 10 years longer)

0.85 (0.75–0.97)

0.60 (0.49–0.73)

0.80 (0.65–0.98)

Heroin injection^a

 (≥daily vs. <daily)

1.37 (1.15–1.63)

1.53 (1.23–1.90)

Cocaine injection^a

 (≥daily vs. <daily)

1.56 (1.23–1.98)

0.92 (0.70–1.22)

Crystal meth injection^a

 (≥daily vs. <daily)

2.11 (1.49–2.99)

2.20 (1.54–3.14)

0.99 (0.53–1.87)

PO injection^a

 (≥daily vs. <daily)

1.01 (0.77–1.33)

0.98 (0.65–1.48)

Injecting in public^a

 (yes vs. no)

1.67 (1.41–1.97)

1.56 (1.31–1.85)

1.90 (1.57–2.30)

1.59 (1.29–1.96)

Syringe borrowing^a

 (yes vs. no)

1.38 (1.07–1.77)

1.96 (1.54–2.49)

1.47 (1.14–1.91)

Non-fatal overdose^a

 (yes vs. no)

1.56 (1.20–2.03)

1.23 (0.89–1.70)

Ever learned safe injection technique by healthcare provider

 (yes vs. no)

1.05 (0.75–1.47)

1.93 (1.26–2.96)

1.80 (1.16–2.79)