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Table 2 Reported barriers to using new needles by people who inject drugs (N = 100)

From: Barriers to using new needles encountered by rural Appalachian people who inject drugs: implications for needle exchange

 

Agree

Disagree/neutral

%

%

1. It takes too long to get a new needle every time I inject.

15

85

2. It is inconvenient to get a new needle every time I inject.

24.74

75.26

3. I often do not want to take the time to get a new needle because my cravings or urges to use drugs are too strong.

18.37

81.63

4. I often do not take the time to get a new needle if I am drug sick or in withdrawal.

24.45

75.55

5. I do not take the time to get a new needle before injecting because I can only think about getting high.

23.23

76.77

6. I do not take the time to get a new needle before injecting if I am already high or drunk.

19.39

80.61

7. The places where I inject usually do not have access to new needles.

29.29

70.71

8. If I am in a shooting gallery (a place where people inject drugs, “dope den,” “joy popping,” etc.), I often do not use a new needle.

21.74

78.26

9. I often do not carry new needles with me when I am out.

30.93

69.07

10. There is not a needle exchange close by for me to get needles.

16.67

83.33

11. Pharmacies sometimes give me hassle when I try to buy needles.

63.33

36.37

12. After I inject, I do not prepare in advance by getting new needles ready for my next injection.

39.80

60.20

13. It’s too expensive to buy new needles from the pharmacy for every time I inject.

55.91

44.09

14. Feeling sad or depressed would get in the way of my using a new needle every time I inject.

20.21

79.79

15. It is embarrassing to buy needles at the pharmacy.

47.92

52.08

16. I worry that someone (friends, family, etc.) may see me buying needles at the pharmacy.

49.47

50.53

17. My peers/friends would look at me funny if I used a new needle every time I inject.

17.53

82.47

18. Having to worry about using a new needle interrupts the ritual of using.

16.84

83.16

19. I am unlikely to use a new needle if a friend lets me borrow his or her used needle.

19.59

80.41

20. I could get in trouble from the police if I carry needles around with me.

72.00

28.00