Police Training to Reduce Occupational Needlesticks and HIV Among Substance Users

"The 3.5-hour PEP course consists of 3 modules. Module I covers basic epidemiology, prevention and treatment of HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs, safe syringe disposal and fundamentals of addiction. Post-exposure protocols and appropriate follow-up procedures are outlined. Module II covers key provisions of Mexico's national drug policy (narcomenudeo, which defines amounts of drugs allowed for personal possession), as well as other legal provisions pertinent to HIV prevention, including the legality of syringe and condom possession. Module III covers public health-based interventions targeting PWID (SEPs, OST) and deconstructs myths typical among law enforcement (i.e., drug users do not care about their health, SEPs increase the risk of NSIs).~A sub-cohort sample will be invited to undergo pre- and post-PEP surveys with semi-annual follow-up for 2 years to assess self-reported NSIs (Aim 1), attitudinal and behavior changes (Aim 2) and mediators/moderators (Aim 3)."