Factors that help injecting drug users to access and benefit from services: A qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
International research shows that injecting drug users (IDUs) can encounter many barriers when they try to access drug treatment and other services. However, the existing literature is mostly quantitative and does not consider the kinds of factors that injectors themselves identify as enabling them to access and benefit from services. Responding to this gap in knowledge, our paper explores IDUs' own suggestions for improving service engagement and their reports of other factors enabling them to seek help.


METHODS
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 75 current illicit drug injectors in three geographically diverse areas of West Yorkshire, England. Recruitment was through needle exchange programmes, with additional snowball sampling to ensure inclusivity of gender, ethnicity and primary drug injected. Transcribed data were analysed thematically using Framework.


RESULTS
Although participants were often satisfied with current access to services, they made three broad suggestions for improving engagement. These were: providing more services (more providers and more forms of support); better operation of existing services (including better communication systems and more flexibility around individual needs); and staffing-related improvements (particularly, less judgemental and more understanding staff attitudes). Other factors identified as important enablers of help seeking were: having supporting relationships (particularly with family members); personal circumstances/life events (especially becoming a parent); and an injector's state of mind (such as feeling motivated and positive).


CONCLUSIONS
A range of practical suggestions for improving IDUs' access to drug treatment and other services are identified.
Neale
Joanne
J
Research Fellow, Leeds West Primary Care Trust, Leeds, UK. jneale@brookes.ac.uk
Sheard
Laura
L
Tompkins
Charlotte N E
CN
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D012944:Social Support; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000078329:Workforce
D016578:Crack Cocaine