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Citizens who inject drugs: the 'Fitpack' study
1National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, East Perth 6004, WA, Australia. simon@ndri.curtin.edu.au
The International Journal on Drug Policy
|August 10, 2000
Summary
This study surveyed 511 drug injectors with limited treatment history, revealing diverse demographics and employment. Findings challenge stereotypes and highlight risks of blood-borne viral infection (BBVI) transmission.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Most research on injecting drug users (IDUs) involves individuals with significant treatment histories.
- A substantial proportion of IDUs remain 'hidden' from traditional research recruitment methods.
- Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of treatment-naïve IDUs is crucial for effective harm reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a sample of injecting drug users with little or no prior drug treatment.
- To assess their blood-borne viral infection (BBVI) risk behaviors.
- To gather feedback on harm reduction services.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 511 injecting drug users via 'Fitpack' needle packs sold in community pharmacies in Western Australia.
- The sample comprised individuals with minimal specialist drug treatment agency contact (28.7%).
- Data collected included demographics, injecting frequency, sexual behaviors, and service feedback.
Main Results:
- The study accessed a diverse 'hidden' population of drug injectors, with a mean age of 26.2 years, 43.4% female, and 46.4% employed.
- A significant portion (61.2%) injected less than daily in the previous month.
- Higher rates of injecting and sharing were reported compared to traditionally recruited samples, indicating elevated BBVI transmission risk.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge common stereotypes of injecting drug users.
- This 'hidden' population offers valuable insights for improving harm reduction strategies.
- Despite diverse characteristics, elevated risk behaviors necessitate continued vigilance against BBVI transmission.
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