Journal article
Making ‘safer injecting’ matter for people who inject image and performance enhancing drugs
Timothy Piatkowski 
,
Emma Kill,
Sonya Weith,
Steph Reeve,
Luke Cox,
Ross Coomber,
Cheneal Puljevic,
Thomas O’Connor,
Jason Ferris,
Luke Cox
,
Emma Kill,
Sonya Weith,
Steph Reeve,
Luke Cox,
Ross Coomber,
Cheneal Puljevic,
Thomas O’Connor,
Jason Ferris,
Luke Cox
Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine
Swansea University Author:
Luke Cox
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): 10.1177/13634593251388294
Abstract
Image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are primarily injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously, yet traditional harm reduction strategies, focused on blood-borne virus prevention, often overlook the specific health enhancement goals of people who use IPEDs. This study advocates for a collabo...
| Published in: | Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine |
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| ISSN: | 1363-4593 1461-7196 |
| Published: |
SAGE Publications
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71532 |
| Abstract: |
Image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are primarily injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously, yet traditional harm reduction strategies, focused on blood-borne virus prevention, often overlook the specific health enhancement goals of people who use IPEDs. This study advocates for a collaborative approach to safer injecting practices, informed by the lived-living experiences of people injecting IPEDs, to develop targeted messaging that aligns with their unique motivations. Thirty participants who inject IPEDs were recruited through community networks and partnerships. The study used qualitative focus groups and semi-structured interviews to explore injection practices and safety strategies. Data analysis followed an inductive, line-by-line approach, identifying themes related to injection methods and safer techniques, drawing on matters-of-concern. Stigma and misinformation about IPED injection practices were prevalent, contributing to a heightened risk of infection. Participants expressed anxiety about injection site reactions and reported limited knowledge of safe techniques, with poor injecting literacy leading to risky behaviours like needle reuse and inadequate hygiene. Importantly, participants highlighted that IPED injecting knowledge is often shared through peer support networks. This research calls for reframing harm reduction to focus on health enhancement, optimising injecting techniques, and integrating evidence-based resources, empowering peer-led harm reduction to better support the health aspirations of this population. |
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