RESUMO
It is well documented that drug users often modulate the effects of their primary drugs of use (e.g., cocaine) by using other drugs (e.g., alcohol), yet the effect of modulating and primary drug interactions on transitions from one class of drugs to another and from noninjected drugs to injected drugs is not clear. This issue, which is critical for understanding polydrug abuse,1 is explored in formative research based on in-depth qualitative interviews conducted during 2003-2004 with 25 recently initiated drug injectors residing in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This study suggests that increased use of a primary drug (e.g., cocaine) was influenced by enhancing or attenuating drugs, which were used in a particular order (e.g., alcohol, heroin) reflecting effectiveness in modulating primary drugs at different use intensities, as well as by participants' perceptions of the relative dangers associated with different drugs. Neither availability nor access appeared to affect the order in which participants used modulating drugs.
Assuntos
Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Alcoolismo/epidemiologia , Área Programática de Saúde , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Cocaína/epidemiologia , Demografia , Feminino , Dependência de Heroína/epidemiologia , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas , Masculino , Abuso de Maconha/epidemiologia , Porto Rico/epidemiologia , Assunção de Riscos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Even when IDUs use their own syringes, the common use of drug preparation materials can expose them to blood-borne pathogens. Notwithstanding the accumulated evidence about the riskiness of drug preparation practices (DPPs), the factors that lead IDUs to engage in DPPs have remained understudied. We conducted 80 semi-structured interviews to elicit salient beliefs about engaging in low-risk DPPs. Data were content analyzed for consequences, normative influences, and barriers. For the most part respondents described positive consequences of engaging in low-risk DPPs. The majority of respondents mentioned IDU peers as a major source of pressure to engage in high-risk DPPs. Lack of access to clean materials and the need to carry materials on oneself were the most salient barriers elicited. The results suggest that preventive interventions need to address the preference for re-using filters, help develop skills to fend off pressures from peers, and increase the accessibility of materials in ways that do not require IDUs to carry additional items.
Assuntos
Composição de Medicamentos/métodos , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Grupo Associado , Porto Rico , Medição de Risco , Assunção de RiscosRESUMO
This study integrates the results of quantitative and qualitative methods to elucidate the association between sexual identity and physical and sexual abuse among Puerto Rican drug users. A structured questionnaire was administered to 800 subjects in New York and 399 in Puerto Rico. A total of 93 subjects (7.9%) self-identified as homosexual or bisexual. Gay males were significantly more likely than heterosexual males to report first occurrence of physical abuse by a family member in childhood. Both gay and bisexual males were more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report first experiencing unwanted sex in childhood and intimate partner physical abuse later in life. Lesbians were more likely than female heterosexuals to report unwanted sex in childhood. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth life histories with 21 subjects and suggest that gay and lesbian subjects perceive antihomosexual prejudice on the part of family members as one cause of childhood physical and sexual abuse.