Njoku Chris Chukwunyere, Ani Judith Ifunanya, Katende-Kyenda Lucky Norah
Inspire World International Foundation, Abuja 961102, Nigeria.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 Feb 25;22(3):340. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22030340.
Injecting drug use is a global public health challenge with multifaceted consequences, not only for people who inject drugs (PWIDs) but also for society at large. Their vulnerability necessitates a deeper exploration of their health information needs, aiming to leverage evidence-based research to shape effective interventions for their well-being.
This study employed a qualitative method to gain insights into disease conditions and health information needs of PWIDs. Through purposive and snowball sampling, 71 in-depth interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed.
This study included 43 males and 28 females, predominantly aged 26-35 (59.2%), who had low socioeconomic status. The most reported disease conditions varied and included malaria, infections, and diabetes. Findings revealed a complex understanding of their disease conditions and management practices. Participants emphasized a critical need for access to reliable and comprehensive health information, while also highlighting the significant barriers they face in obtaining this information. Additionally, their preference for receiving health information in video formats, written articles, and through outreach programs underscored their desire for knowledge to make informed decisions. As co-creators and stakeholders in their health, participants expressed a clear demand for sustainable and free healthcare, mosquito nets, and regular outreach programs.
While drug use presents a significant public health issue, effective interventions for PWIDs require a multifaceted approach that begins with understanding their perspectives and actively involving them as co-creators of their health solutions. Abandoning this population contradicts the Sustainable Development Goals' mandate to ensure no one is left behind. Thus, all stakeholders must prioritize inclusive and participatory approaches to address the complex health information needs of PWIDs.
注射吸毒是一项全球性的公共卫生挑战，会带来多方面的后果，不仅影响注射吸毒者，也对整个社会产生影响。他们的脆弱性需要更深入地探索其健康信息需求，旨在利用循证研究来制定促进其福祉的有效干预措施。
本研究采用定性方法，以深入了解注射吸毒者的疾病状况和健康信息需求。通过立意抽样和滚雪球抽样，进行了71次深度访谈并进行了主题分析。
本研究纳入了43名男性和28名女性，年龄主要在26 - 35岁之间（59.2%），社会经济地位较低。报告最多的疾病状况各不相同，包括疟疾、感染和糖尿病。研究结果揭示了他们对自身疾病状况和管理做法的复杂理解。参与者强调迫切需要获取可靠且全面的健康信息，同时也突出了他们在获取这些信息时面临的重大障碍。此外，他们对通过视频形式、书面文章以及外展项目接收健康信息的偏好，凸显了他们渴望获取知识以做出明智决策。作为自身健康的共同创造者和利益相关者，参与者明确要求提供可持续且免费的医疗保健、蚊帐以及定期外展项目。
虽然吸毒是一个重大的公共卫生问题，但针对注射吸毒者的有效干预措施需要采取多方面的方法，首先要了解他们的观点，并积极让他们作为自身健康解决方案的共同创造者参与进来。抛弃这一群体与可持续发展目标中确保不让任何人掉队的任务相悖。因此，所有利益相关者必须优先采用包容性和参与性的方法，以满足注射吸毒者复杂的健康信息需求。
