The rise of groin injection among opiate drug users in Malaysia

Correction: Due to an error in the online publication of this journal, the publication date of this issue was recorded as 2014. The publication date was corrected to 2015 on 3rd September 2015. The date on the cover is correct. Introduction: There have been no previous studies attempting to understand groin injection among opiate drug users in Malaysia. This paper aims to examine if there are characteristics that distinguish groin injectors from other Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and the reasons for resorting to groin injection. Methods: From a larger survey of 552 participants, recruited using a convenience sample in five locations around the country, a sub-sample of 64 participants was found to be groin injectors. Participants were screened for HIV and HCV. Another 20 groin injectors were recruited from Penang using a questionnaire designed specifically to obtain a more in-depth understanding of the groin injection. Results: Groin and non-groin injectors displayed same high risk behaviours. Groin injectors had a longer history and they were also more likely to be HCV positive. Results also show that injecting from other sites in the body has been hastened to the groin to experience euphoria in the shortest time. Groin injectors also have a high degree of awareness on the dangers of injecting in the groin. Conclusion: Early intervention is needed to prevent drug users from becoming injectors. For current groin injectors, proper counselling on the dangers of groin injection and vein management is crucial. International Journal of Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders 2015;1(3-4):142-15