Drug users: oral health-related attitudes and behaviours.
OBJECTIVE
Explore oral health-related attitudes and behaviours of drug users.


METHODS
Qualitative study using focus groups and semi-structured interviews.


METHODS
Facilities for treatment and recovery of drug users in South London.


METHODS
Twenty-six male and 14 female recovering drug users.


RESULTS
Participants described many changes in lifestyle associated with drug use including the physical effects of drugs, dietary habits, organisational and time constraints and unfavourable social conditions, which were not conducive to oral health. There was considerable health consciousness. They associated general health problems and problems with teeth, gums and oral soft tissues to both direct and indirect effects of drug use. Use of dental services was inhibited by low priority for oral health relative to the need to obtain and use drugs, experientially induced fear of dentists, the acceptability of dental services, needle-phobia, ability to self-medicate and organisational factors in their lifestyles.


CONCLUSIONS
The lifestyles of drug users may contribute to oral health problems and low use of services. Drug users therefore comprise a group with special dental needs and need greater access to dental care than most people. Much of this care could be provided in general practice where appropriate dental care can contribute to recovery from drug use.
Robinson
P G
PG
Division of Dental Public Health and Oral Health Services Research, GKT Dental Institute, King's College London, London, UK. peter.g.robinson@sheffield.ac.uk
Acquah
S
S
Gibson
B
B
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology*