Transition to and Away from Injecting Drug Use among Young Drug Users in Tehran, Iran: A Qualitative Study
| Author | Afarin Rahimi-Movaghar | en |
| Author | Alireza Noroozi | en |
| Author | Kimberly Page | en |
| Author | Minoo Mohraz | en |
| Author | William McFarland | en |
| Author | Hossein Malekafzali | en |
| Author | Mohsen Malekinejad | en |
| Issued Date | 2017-03-31 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Iran has a large population of non-injection opioid users potentially at risk of initiation of drug injection. Objective: We implemented a qualitative study to characterize the factors facilitating transition from non-injection drug use (NIDU) to injection drug use (IDU) and vice versa. Materials and Methods: We conducted 42 in-depth interviews among purposefully selected groups of injecting and non-injecting drug users and health workers, in 2011 in Tehran, Iran. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using OpenCode 3.6 software. Results: The predominant factor for transition from NIDU to IDU was a high level of drug dependence. IDU decreased the cost associated with drug use by several fold in the short-term. The influence of other injectors, either by learning directly from, encouraged by, feeling coerced by, or identifying with a lifestyle was also mentioned as a causal factor in the transition to IDU. Pleasure-seeking or desire to experience an immediate rush were rarely reported; rather, themes of the need to maintain functionality, reduce pain, and overcome financial difficulties emerged. Vein damage and other IDU-related physical health problems, as well as pressure from family were reasons for reverse transition (IDU to NIDU). Conclusions: New harm reduction approaches could focus on blocking the transition from NIDU to injection and promoting the return to less harmful routes of administration. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpbs.4561 | en |
| Keyword | Iran | en |
| Keyword | First Injection Episode | en |
| Keyword | Initiation of Injection | en |
| Keyword | Protective Factors for Injecting | en |
| Keyword | Reverse Transition | en |
| Keyword | Risk Factors for Injecting | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Transition to and Away from Injecting Drug Use among Young Drug Users in Tehran, Iran: A Qualitative Study | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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