Injecting drug use in prison: prevalence and implications for needle exchange policy
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore prison drug injecting prevalence, identify any changes in injecting prevalence and practice during imprisonment and explore views on prison needle exchange.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical prospective cohort survey conducted between 2006 and 2008. The study involved a random sample of 267 remand and sentenced prisoners from a large male category B prison in England where no prison needle exchange operates. Questionnaires were administered with prisoners on reception and, where possible, at one, three and six months during their sentence.
Findings
In total, 64 per cent were injecting until admission into prison. The majority intended to stop injecting in prison (93 per cent), almost a quarter due to the lack of needle exchange (23 per cent). Yet when hypothetically asked if they would continue injecting in prison if needle exchange was freely available, a third of participants (33 per cent) believed that they would. Injecting cessation happened on prison entry and appeared to be maintained during the sentence.
Research limitations/implications
Not providing sterile needles may increase risks associated with injecting for prisoners who continue to inject. However, providing such equipment may prolong injecting for other prisoners who currently cease injecting on account of needle exchange programmes (NEPs) not being provided in the UK prison setting.
Practical implications
Not providing sterile needles may increase risks associated with injecting for prisoners who continue to inject. However, providing such equipment may prolong injecting for other prisoners who currently cease injecting on account of NEPs not being provided in the UK prison setting.
Originality/value
This survey is the first to question specifically regarding the timing of injecting cessation amongst male prisoners and explore alongside intention to inject should needle exchange facilities be provided in prison.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
With thanks to the participants who took part in the study and the staff at the prison where it took place.
Citation
Wright, N.M.J., Tompkins, C.N.E. and Farragher, T.M. (2015), "Injecting drug use in prison: prevalence and implications for needle exchange policy", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 17-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-09-2014-0032
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited