Public injecting and public amenity in an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Background: Public drug markets and injecting impose significant burden on individuals and the community. This study aimed to document public injecting and amenity in North Richmond, an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Australia.

Methods: A rapid assessment methodology was employed. Data comprised: secondary data on drug use indicators, structured observations and interviews with key stakeholders. Primary data were collected from May to October 2012. Quantitative data are summarised using descriptive statistics. Basic content analysis was performed on interview transcripts.

Results: An average of 1843 needle–syringes (NS) were collected per month from syringe disposal bins and street-sweeps in the period January–December 2012. Discarded NS and other injecting paraphernalia were observed in a variety of locations. Stakeholder interviews indicated substantial concerns over the presence of NS and witnessing injecting and overdose.

Discussion: Public injecting is widespread, frequent, and highly visible in North Richmond and has a substantial negative effect on public amenity. The research identified two main priorities: (1) enhance access to harm reduction services and materials; and (2) improve public amenity. Among other responses, the study findings support the introduction of a supervised injecting facility (SIF) as a viable component of a comprehensive harm reduction response to illicit drug use in this area.

• Public amenity
• public injecting
• supervised injecting facilities

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the traders, residents, PWID and local workers who participated in this study and contributed their experiences of drug market activity and public injecting. Their willingness to share their time and their experiences with us is greatly appreciated. Particular thanks are given to the staff of North Richmond Community Health NSP for their generous assistance and support throughout the project. Special acknowledgement is given to Yarra City Council for provision of needle-syringe disposal and retrieval data.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

The research was funded through a seeding grant from the Centre for Research Excellence in Injecting Drug Use [NHMRC ID: GNT1001144], with additional funds from City of Yarra and North Richmond Community Health. Professor Paul Dietze is supported by an ARC Future Fellowship [FT100100321].

Notice of Correction:

Changes have been made to this article since the original online publication date of December 9, 2014.

Notes

¹Defined as attendances where there is a positive response to naloxone or where evidence of heroin use is established through clinical assessment by ambulance paramedics and/or by the patient or their associates.