Home / Regular Issue / JTAS Vol. 19 (S) Oct. 2011 / JSSH-0476-2011

 

Characteristics of Injecting Drug Users in Needle Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP)

N. Sarnon, I. Baba, M. S. Mohamad, W. J. Wan Azreena', Z. M. Lukman, N. Subhi, S. M. Hoesni, I. Fauziah, S. Nen, H. M. Rusyda and M. A. Nur Saadah

Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Volume 19, Issue S, October 2011

Keywords: Injecting drug user (IDU), Needle Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP), harm reduction, social work

Published on:

This study aims to identify the intrapersonal and interpersonal characteristics of the injecting drug users (IDUs) who were involved in the Needle Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP). A total of 13 respondents took part in an in-depth semi-structured interview. Results showed that there were five intrapersonal characteristics of IDUs; (i) negative self concept, (ii) unwillingness to abstain from injecting drug, (iii) fear of being arrested, (iv) depressed, and (v) self-efficacy in practice safe injecting. The four interpersonal characteristics of IDU were (i) the practice of sharing drug paraphernalia, (ii) stigmatized by others, (iii) too dependent on case workers, and (iv) estranged relationships with family members. In conclusion, it is vital for IDUs to seek help from professionals such as social workers and psychologists for their positive survival.

ISSN 1511-3701

e-ISSN 2231-8542

Article ID

JSSH-0476-2011

Download Full Article PDF

Share this article

Recent Articles