Distributing aluminium foil as harm reduction strategy among people who use drugs in prison

Abstract

Objectives: Drug use via inhalation substantially reduces the risk of overdose and blood borne infections when compared toparenteral consumption. In order to promote a change in consumption habits and provide a safe framework for inhalationconsumption, the distribution of foil was introduced into the Catalan prison, Brians 1. The aim of this study was to know theperceptions of the people who participated in this program.Material and method: An exploratory qualitative study was carried out through semi-structured interviews with 18 users (11men and 7 women, one of them transgender) aged between 23 and 55 years. The data was analyzed using thematic analysismethodology.Results: Users highlighted the fewer negative consequences arising from inhalation drug use with a foil kit, compared to othermeans available in prison. The kit was used for heroin consumption, as well as in the manufacture of hashish and crack pipes.Among users who normally injected, there was increased awareness of alternative means and a higher probability of drug usevia the pulmonary route. All users reported having received health education and subsequent monitoring by the particular teamin charge.Discussion: Foil distribution is a practical and effective harm reduction strategy in prisons. Going forward, it is necessary toextend this program to other prisons and diversify the kits so they can more broadly address inhalation drug use.Key words: needle-exchange programs; heroin; crack cocaine; drug overdose; HIV infections; hepatitis C; prisons; qualitativeresearch.