Social and structural determinants of injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

Lit review
by
Brothers, Thomas D. et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We sought to synthesize qualitative studies of social-structural factors influencing incidence and treatment of injecting-related infections.

Findings/Key points

Injecting-related bacterial and fungal infections are shaped by modifiable social-structural factors, including poor quality unregulated drugs, criminalization and policing enforcement, insufficient housing, limited harm reduction services, and harmful health care practices. People who inject drugs navigate these barriers while attempting to protect themselves and their community.

Design/methods

Lit review (26 studies included)

doi.org

Keywords

Injecting drugs
Harm reduction