ACCESS follows individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who use illicit drugs, mostly living in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood in Canada. Since 2005, over 950 participants have enrolled in the study through word of mouth, snowball sampling, and extensive street outreach. Eligible participants are 18 years old or older, HIV positive, and self-reporting illicit drug use other than or in addition to cannabis (which was illegal during the study period) in the month prior to enrolment. Participants complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a clinic visit with a nurse every six months.

Recruitment is ongoing