Exploring the natural history of injection drug use: A qualitative study of social and environmental influences

The influence of social and environmental factors on individual health has increasingly been recognized in public health research, particularly with regard to individuals who inject illicit drugs. The proposed research aims to identify social and environmental influences that may alter the natural history of injection drug use, including critical initiation and transitional events such as the initiation of crystal methamphetamine injection and sex work. A range of research methods and data sources will be used, including in-depth individual interviews, observational activities, mapping techniques, and photography. Data derived from these sources will be supplemented with epidemiological data. The study will provide critical insight and evidence that can be used to inform the development of broad interventions, including those designed to modify social and ecological conditions that mediate initiation of or transitions into more harmful behaviour, including those that increase risk for HIV infection.