The Authors’ Own Words: Behavioral characteristics and injection practices associated with skin and soft tissue infections among people who inject drugs: A community-based observational study

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Behavioral characteristics and injection practices associated with skin and soft tissue infections among people who inject drugs: A community-based observational study

Disa Dahlman, MD, MA; Anders Håkansson, MD, PhD; Alex H. Kral, PhD; Lynn Wenger, MSW, MPH; Elizabeth L. Ball, BA; & Scott P. Novak, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 1, 2017

“Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common among people who inject drugs (PWID), and associated with several hygiene and injection practices including syringe/needle sharing. These findings highlight the importance of clinical and public health screening efforts to reduce SSTIs. Needle exchange programs may be good venues for SSTIs screening and treatment, as well as educational-based prevention programs for PWID. Clinicians should inform PWID about potential consequences of risky injection habits beyond blood-borne transmitted diseases. Intervention messages should focus on eliminating needle-sharing, injection of non-powder drugs, and needle-licking before injection.”