ID: HR19-171

Presenting author: Ediomo-Ubong Nelson

Presenting author biography:

Ediomo-Ubong Nelson is an associate researcher with the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse, Nigeria. The areas of his research interest include substance use, health and gender. He has published many papers on alcohol and drug policy, focusing on Nigeria and Africa.

Initiating and continuing illicit drug injecting: structural, social and subjective determinants

Ediomo-Ubong Nelson, Isidore Obot

Initiation into drug injecting is a public health concern since drug injecting elevates the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses, vein damage and overdose. Qualitative data on injecting initiation are scarce in Africa since injecting is a relatively recent phenomenon in the continent. We undertook an exploratory qualitative study to understand the factors shaping initiation and continuation of drug injecting. In-depth, individual interviews were conducted with forty one (n=41) IDUs recruited through snow-ball sampling method. Interview transcripts were analyzed inductively and thematically. Injecting initiation is shaped by pleasure-seeking, social networks, exposure to and changing perception of drug injecting, social class aspirations, and drug markets. On the other hand, pleasure, drug dependence, social network, and limited access to treatment services shape injecting continuation. The factors that shape initiation and continuation of drug injecting straddle the individual, social and structural levels. Harm reduction programs should incorporate relevant individual, social and structural interventions to mitigate the risk factors for and reduce the number of people who begin injecting. This will impact positively on the prevention of disease transmission and other health harms.