Document type
ArticleVersion
Accepted versionPublication date
All rights reserved
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/134928
Health Outcomes for Clients of Needle and Syringe Programs in Prisons
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Additional contribution
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
High levels of drug dependence have been observed in the
prison population globally, and the sharing of injecting drug
equipment in prisons has contributed to higher prevalence of
bloodborne diseases in prisoners than in the general population.
Few prison needle and syringe programs (PNSPs) exist. We
conducted a systematic review to assess evidence regarding
health outcomes of PNSPs. We searched peer-reviewed databases
for data relating to needle and syringe programs in prisons. The
search methodology was conducted in accordance with accepted
guidelines. Five studies met review inclusion criteria, and all
presented evidence associating PNSPs with one or more health
benefits, but the strength of the evidence was low. The outcomes
for which the studies collectively demonstrated the strongest
evidence were prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and
viral hepatitis. Few negative consequences from PNSPs were
observed, consistent with previous evidence assessments. More
research is needed on PNSP effectiveness, and innovative study
designs are needed to overcome methodological limitations of
previous research. Until stronger evidence becomes available,
policymakers are urged to recognize that not implementing PNSPs
has the potential to cause considerable harm, in light of what
is currently known about the risks and benefits of needle and
syringe programs and PNSPs and about the high prevalence of
human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis in prisons.
Related resource
Subject
Subject (English)
Citation
Collections
Citation
LAZARUS, Jeffrey V., et al. Health Outcomes for Clients of Needle and Syringe Programs in
Prisons. Epidemiologic Reviews. 2018. Vol. 40, num. 1, pags. 96-104. ISSN 0193-936X. [consulted: 11 of October of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/134928