Living Under Coronavirus and Injecting Drugs in Bristol (LUCID-B): A qualitative study of experiences of COVID-19 among people who inject drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) are a high-risk group for COVID-19 transmission and serious health consequences. Restrictions imposed in the UK in response to the pandemic led to rapid health and housing service alterations. We aimed to examine PWID experiences of: 1) challenges relating to the COVID-19 public health measures; 2) changes to opioid substitution therapy (OST) and harm reduction services; and 3) perceived effects of COVID-19 on drug use patterns and risk behaviour.

Methods

Telephone semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 PWID in Bristol, Southwest of England. Analysis followed a reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Concern about COVID-19 and adherence to public health guidance varied. Efforts made by services to continue providing su

SUBMITTER: Kesten JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8289673 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature