Fluorescent blue lights, injecting drug use and related health risk in public conveniences: findings from a qualitative study of micro-injecting environments.
This paper presents findings relating to injecting drug users' experiences and opinions of public toilets illuminated with fluorescent blue lights and presents an empirical assessment of the intended deterrent effect of such installations. Data analysis identified that blue lights deterred less than half the sample interviewed. Furthermore over half (18/31) of the sample were prepared to inject in conditions specifically designed to deter injecting practice. Of these, 11 respondents were completely undeterred and 7 individuals were only partially deterred by blue light environments. These findings are discussed within the interpretative frameworks of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of habitus and symbolic violence. The authors conclude that fluorescent blue lights contribute towards the development of situated resistance by injecting drug users within a public injecting habitus; a resistance that produces and reproduces drug-related harm and is a behaviour that opposes the symbolic violence of harm reduction intervention. The paper concludes with suggestions for theory-driven practical intervention that may seek to disrupt the harmful elements of the public injecting habitus.
Parkin
Stephen
S
School of Applied Psychosocial Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK. stephen.parkin@plymouth.ac.uk
Coomber
Ross
R
D000328:Adult; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003116:Color; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D004739:England; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D006184:Habits; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011633:Public Facilities; D015980:Public Health Practice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012309:Risk-Taking; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013561:Symbolism; D014038:Toilet Facilities; D014792:Visual Acuity