35 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined drug use, hepatitis C, and service availability and use among a high-risk sample of rural women serving time in jails. Data was collected from female offenders (N = 22) who participated in four focus groups in three rural jail facilities located in Appalachia. Findings indicated that drug misuse is prevalent in this impoverished area of the country, and that the primary route of administration of drug use is injection. Findings also indicate that injection drug use is also commonly associated with contracting hepatitis C (HCV), which is also perceived to be prevalent in the area. Despite knowledge associated with HCV risks, women in this sample were seemingly apathetic about the increasing spread of HCV in the area and unconcerned about the long-term consequences of the course of the infection. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)385-396
Number of pages12
JournalSocial Work in Public Health
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 7 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2015.

Keywords

  • Drug use
  • HCV
  • women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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