Injecting drug user views (and experiences) of drug-related litter bins in public places: A comparative study of qualitative research findings obtained from UK settings

Parkin, Stephen and Coomber, Ross (2011) Injecting drug user views (and experiences) of drug-related litter bins in public places: A comparative study of qualitative research findings obtained from UK settings. Health & Place, 17 (6). pp. 1218-1227. ISSN 1353-8292

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative study of qualitative research concerning drug-related litter in community settings (associated with illicit drug use/rs) and of the modes of intervention (noted by municipal authorities in two different UK settings) aimed at reducing harm associated with this contemporary public health issue.

More specifically, the paper focuses upon the views and experiences of 51 injecting drug users regarding DRL-bin provision, service uptake and connected events in the relevant settings.

Comparative analysis of these qualitative experiences appears to confirm Fitzpatrick and LaGory's concept of ‘place matters’ in any consideration of applied, low threshold, health intervention. Accordingly, street-based, drug-related intervention within public settings needs to be culturally, environmentally, spatially and geographically relevant to the intended target population in order to have any meaningful benefit (e.g. reduced opportunities for needlestick injury in community settings), impact (e.g. improved community safety) and related outcome (e.g. service uptake by injecting drug users).

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