Author/Editor		Nolimal, Dušan; Tratnik, Dragica; Jenko, Marko; Kocmur, Helena
Title		Qualitative research report injecting drug users in Ljubljana
Type		članek
Source		In: Missing pieces. 9th studies of emerging drug problems: developing drug information systems in central and eastern Europe, towards a better understanding of drug use on central and eastern Europe. New York: United nations international drug group,
Publication year		2001
Volume		str. 132-74
Language		eng
Abstract		The study was designed to gain in-depth information from drug misusers in Ljubljana about a range of injecting- and sexual-related HIV risks. Drug scenes, networks, some other environmental risk factors and treatment-seeking behaviour were also studied. The aim was to generate information to complement quantitative data to be used to inform public policy and interventions. Data were collected using quantitative questionnaires (N=95) on the extent of risk-taking behaviours, direct (participant) observation, in-depth interviews (N=21) and document analysis. Seventy-eight per cent of the first sample and 81 % of the second reported some risktaking behaviours related to injecting and/or sexual practices. Key findings are presented in three areas: the perception of risk and risk-taking behaviours, drug scenes, networks and environmental factors; and treatment-seeking behaviour. What was considered by injecting drug users (IDUs) to be 'safe' behaviour was clearly context-dependent. What were considered to be 'acceptable' risks depended both on individual beliefs and the social context. There was considerably higher awareness of the risks related to injecting than to unprotected sex. Examining risk-taking behaviour and the context of drug injecting has helped to inform our understanding of factors that may influence the possible spread of HIV infection among this population. This study can assist in understanding why harm reduction interventions might be the most effective response to reduce risk-taking behaviour among IDUs in the city. It can also help professionals to be more sensitive to their personal circumstances and the local context, in order to tailor more effective interventions. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters)
Descriptors		SUBSTANCE ABUSE, INTRAVENOUS SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT CENTERS NEEDLE-EXCHANGE PROGRAMS ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME HEROIN DEPENDENCE PREVALENCE INCIDENCE QUESTIONNAIRES ETHICS, MEDICAL BEHAVIOR, ADDICTIVE ALCOHOL DRINKING SEX BEHAVIOR