Needle fear among women injecting drug users: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To describe elements of needle phobia amongst women injecting dug users and discuss the associated health implications.

Design: Qualitative research using in depth interviews.

Participants: Forty‐five injecting drug‐using (IDU) women who had experience of being injected with illicit drugs by other drug users.

Results/Findings: Women injecting drug users displayed elements of needle phobia as they had a strong fear of needles. Most were fearful of needles prior to their first experience of injecting drug use. For some, their fear of needles continued during their later injecting experiences. Being afraid of needles, however, was not limited to injecting drug use as many women feared medical procedures that involved needles. They responded to this by refusing or delaying medical procedures involving needles, including blood tests and immunizations.

Conclusions: Some women IDUs have a strong fear of needles and are concerned about medical procedures involving needles. Clinicians, especially those working with drug users, need to be aware that fear of needles can be a problem for some injecting drug users and this has health and clinical practice implications. Needle fear may potentially affect an injecting drug user's engagement with and receipt of health care. Alternative methods of administration should therefore be investigated if this reduces anxiety and ensures that injecting drug using patients receive necessary health care.

• Needle fear
• injecting drug use
• women
• qualitative research

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the women interviewed during the study. We must also acknowledge the staff working in the services for their enthusiasm and for putting us in contact with suitable women. Thanks must also be extended to Nottinghamshire County Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Leeds North East Primary Care Trust for joint funding the study. Thanks also to Nik Howes.