Understanding Initiation into Injecting Drug Use in North-East India
Author Information
Author(s): Michelle Kermode, Verity Longleng, Bangkim Chingsubam Singh, Jane Hocking, Biangtung Langkham, Nick Crofts
Primary Institution: Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
What are the contextual factors associated with initiation into injecting drug use in north-east India?
Conclusion
Harm reduction strategies should target non-injecting drug users and leverage existing social networks among injecting drug users to promote safe practices.
Supporting Evidence
- Initiation into injecting drug use occurred at a mean age of 20 years.
- 66.7% of participants had used the drug they injected previously.
- 94.5% were injected by another person, mostly a friend.
- Almost 70% of participants had initiated at least one other person into injecting.
- Most participants knew other injecting drug users prior to their initiation.
Takeaway
This study looked at why people start using needles to inject drugs in India, finding that friends often help each other start and that many already know other drug users.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 injecting drug users in Manipur and Nagaland, collecting data on demographics, drug use history, and initiation circumstances.
Potential Biases
Responses may be influenced by social desirability due to the involvement of peer workers from NGOs.
Limitations
The sample may not be representative of all injecting drug users in north-east India, and social acceptability bias may have influenced responses.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly male, with a mean age of 24.5 years, and included various ethnicities and religions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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