Health service utilisation among people who inject drugs: the effects of demographics, substance use and health services

People who inject drugs (PWID) experience poor health and are at greater risk of mortality compared to the general population. Yet they are also often stigmatised when they attend health services for care. Dhanya’s research examined patterns and trends in health service use, and factors influencing health service use among PWID. She found heavy service use was related to mental health conditions and socioeconomic disadvantage such as homelessness and unemployment. Recommendations from her research include improving coordination between emergency, tertiary and harm reduction services, eliminating stigma towards PWID, and providing supportive housing.