Preference to have used a medically supervised injecting centre among injecting drug users in Kings Cross, Sydney

Objective: To assess factors affecting preference to have last injected in a medically supervised injecting centre (MSIC) among injecting drug users (IDUs) attending a needle syringe program (NSP) in Kings Cross, Sydney. Methods: All NSP attenders over a two-day period in August 1999 were asked where they last injected, whether they injected alone and if they would have preferred to use an MSIC. This was in addition to the routine data collected, which included age, gender and last drug injected. Results: Among the 178 respondents, 52 (29%) last injected in a public place and 77 (44%) last injected alone. Seventy-one per cent of all respondents would have preferred to use an MSIC. Of those who injected in public, 83% would have preferred to use an MSIC compared to 66% of those who injected in private, which was significant (p=0.03). Age, gender, last drug injected and having injected alone did not affect preference to use an MSIC. Conclusions Respondents' high preference to use an MSIC suggests that it may well achieve its public order and public health objectives. Implications An MSIC may significantly shift current patterns of illicit drug use in Kings Cross, the community impact of which should be monitored and managed.