“Clean” or “dirty” Drug Injectors' Perceptions of Cleanliness and Dirtiness in Relation to HIV risk Behaviour

Abstract

Personal assessments of other people's cleanliness and dirtiness are important components in drug injectors' HIV-related risk behaviour. This paper examines the concepts of clean and dirty through qualitative research on drug injectors' perceptions of HIV risk behaviour. These data were generated by in-depth interviews with a vignette and small group discussions. Three main themes emerge from the analysis of data on this topic: people's appearance, the extent to which people know each other, and previous behaviour. This paper unpacks the ways in which these perceptions revolve around constructs of HIV risk, which are drawn together in conclusion.

Key Words:

• Drug Injectors
• HIV/AIDS
• Perceptions
• Risks
• Behaviour
• Clean
• Dirty
• Cleanliness
• Dirtiness
• Qualitative Research