Missed opportunities: injection drug use and HIV/AIDS in Victoria, Canada

Autor: Chris P. Archibald, Elsie Wong, Linda Poffenroth, Michael L. Rekart, Donald Sutherland, Kelli I. Stajduhar
Rok vydání: 2004
Předmět:
Zdroj: International Journal of Drug Policy. 15:171-181
ISSN: 0955-3959
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2004.01.001
Popis: This paper reports qualitative findings from a study examining the context of injection drug use (IDU) and HIV/AIDS in Victoria, Canada. Objectives were to determine behaviours and situations that place IDUs at risk for blood-borne diseases and to use this information to develop interventions to mitigate harms associated with IDU. Rapid Assessment Response and Evaluation (RARE) methodology was used. Data were collected by: (1) key informant and focus group interviews; (2) participant observation in drug "hot spot" areas; (3) geo-mapping; (4) rapid assessment surveys; and (5) a questionnaire. Findings suggest drug use practices placed IDUs at risk for a number of health problems and even though IDUs were aware of risks and engaged in protective behaviours, almost all said their lives were ruled by the intense need for drugs. Risk behaviours were linked to mis-conceptions about drug use and addiction, social settings, lack of access to health services, societal attitudes and stigmatisation, and by philosophical differences that existed among service organisations. Findings have been instructive in setting policy and laying the foundation for an action plan to address the health needs of those with addictions in Victoria.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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