A qualitative investigation into an HIV outbreak among injection drug users in Vancouver, British Columbia

Authors:
  • SSS. A. Strathdee
    S. A. Strathdee
  • DPD. M. Patrick
    D. M. Patrick
  • MOM. Ofner
    M. Ofner
  • CAC. P. Archibald
    C. P. Archibald
  • GEG. Eades
    G. Eades
  • MOM. V. O'SHaughnessy
    M. V. O'SHaughnessy
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Abstract
The proportion of injection drug users (IDUs) testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in British Columbia has increased from 3 to 7% since January 1993 (Patrick et al., 1997). We conducted a qualitative study as a first step in a case control investigation aimed at identifying risk factors associated with HIV seroconversion. Sixteen subjects participated in in-depth interviews which were transcribed and analysed using grounded theory methods. Three dominant themes emerged: Addiction, Prevention, and Social Determinants. The results suggest that prevention efforts such as the availability of clean needles and condoms are not adequate to combat the complex social determinants of addiction--be they causal or consequential--which in turn contribute to unsafe injection practices.