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Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on April 23, 2008
Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdn030
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© The Author 2008, Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved

Assessing and prioritizing the preferences of injecting drug users in needle and syringe exchange service development


Catriona Matheson, Senior Research Fellow1
Geraldine B. Anthony, Research Fellow1
Christine Bond, Professor of Primary Care (Pharmacy)1
Maria K. Rossi, Consultant in Public Health2

1 Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Foresterhill Health Centre, University of Aberdeen, Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB25 2AY, UK
2 Public Health Unit, NHS Grampian, Summerfield House, Eday Road, Aberdeen


Address Correspondence to: C. Matheson, E-mail: c.i.math{at}abdn.ac.uk


  Abstract

Background Needle exchange services are vital for the distribution of clean injecting equipment and disposal of equipment used for intravenous drug users. From the number of clean needles and syringes distributed and the estimated number of injecting drug users (IDUs), there may be insufficient use of needle exchange services. This highlighted the need to consider how services could be improved to encourage the use.

Methods A structured, short, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to IDUs through a wide range of agencies and services in North East Scotland. A form of snowball sampling was also used.

Results A total of 370 individuals responded. Respondents noted the following in their two prioritized preferred options: ‘Provision of paraphernalia’ (citric acid, water and filters; 54%), ‘weekend opening hours’ (24%) and ‘antibiotic prescribing’ (23%). Other service developments noted were: ‘friendly, approachable staff’ (16%), ‘family planning’ (10.4%), ‘dressings for wounds/sores’ (9%), ‘leaflets on safer injecting’ (7.0%), ‘advice from staff on safer injecting’ (3.0%) and ‘evening opening hours’ (0.8%). Geographical gaps in current needle exchange services were identified. There was homogeneity of responses across demographic groups.

Conclusion IDUs were willing to participate and suggested more provision of paraphernalia.

Keywords: injecting drug use, blood borne virus, needle exchange, patient involvement


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