Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Injecting in Scotland
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Injecting in Scotland: in depth study of injecting practices, risk behaviours, health implications and service utilisation
IRAS ID
227939
Contact name
Alison Munro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) differ from other commonly injected drugs such as heroin as many of them are synthetic drugs made in laboratories. Until recently, most were also legal, making them more accessible. NPS injecting is increasing in many countries including in Scotland, and particularly in certain geographic areas such as Lothian, Grampian and Tayside. NPS injecting amongst people who inject drugs in Scotland has increased from <1% of drug injectors surveyed in 2008 (3/2071) to 10% (227/2213) in 2015/16. In addition, evidence is emerging that NPS injecting is associated with higher risks of blood borne virus acquisition and transmission as well as other health harms such as the development of skin and soft tissue infections and wound infections and yet there is very little research examining the everyday practices of NPS injecting that may make this the case. This study will be the first in Scotland to examine, in depth, and across a number of areas, the injecting pathways, the risk taking behaviours in terms of injecting and sexual health, and the use of services including harm reduction and treatment seeking amongst this newly emerging group of injectors.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
17/ES/0119
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion