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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1) Understand the process of methamphetamine injection and identify potential avenues for blood-borne disease transmission
2) Understand contextual influences on risk taking and risk avoidance
3) Identify strategies to reduce the potential for hepatitis transmission during methamphetamine injection
Background:
In the summer of 2003, the Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a case control study examining risk factors for an acute HBV outbreak among methamphetamine injectors in Casper, Wyoming. In a multivariable analysis, the case control study found the sharing of rinse water to be the only variable significantly associated with HBV infection (Vogt et al. IN PRESS). In May 2004 CDC sponsored a follow up qualitative study aimed at informing the results of the case control study and increasing our understanding of injection practices among methamphetamine users.
Methods:
Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with in treatment methamphetamine IDU to detail the process of methamphetamine use and the contextual factors that influence it.
Results:
This qualitative study describes the process of methamphetamine injection and contextual factors affecting injection behavior. Practices embedded in the injection process included syringe re-use, drug sharing and the sharing of drug paraphernalia. The setting in which methamphetamine is used and the psychological state of users may be important determinants of risk. In particular, the sharing of rinse water seemed related to the social and physical environment in which methamphetamine is injected.
Conclusions:
Methamphetamine injection presents challenges for harm reduction strategies. Addressing contextual issues surrounding methamphetamine use is a necessary component of hepatitis prevention efforts.
See more of I4 - Impact of Hepatitis in Frontier Settings
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference