The Process of Injection Drug Use Among Homeless Women in Ottawa, Canada: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe literature on women who use injection drugs (WUIDs) is antiquated and diluted by data from men. Due to the higher rates of morbidity and mortality among WUID, we undertook a qualitative study to better understand their drug use practices.MethodsWe adopted a Deleuze–Guattarian lens and engaged in semi-structured interviews with 35 women in Ottawa, Canada. Data from 31 of these women were analyzed using applied thematic analysis.ResultsWe divided these themes into (a) how WUID obtain resources to acquire drug,and (b) the steps involved in preparing, using, and discarding drugs. From our Deleuzo–Guattarian perspective, these findings highlighted that participants stratified their worlds according to rules of cleanliness to create hierarchies of appropriateness and acceptability.ConclusionsThese findings, overall, highlight the importance of understanding the constructed world of WUIDs, particularly regarding the ways in which nurses interact with these women to provide care.