Information Deficit on Injection of Drugs: Implications for Social and Behaviour Change Communication Intervention for Illicit Drugs Use in Lagos State

Ben-Enukora, Charity and Chux-Onyekwere, Ebele and Ejem, Agwu A. and Odorwike, J. C. Information Deficit on Injection of Drugs: Implications for Social and Behaviour Change Communication Intervention for Illicit Drugs Use in Lagos State. Adeleke University Journal of Business and Social Sciences. pp. 242-256.

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Abstract

This study investigated the strategies and channels used by NGOs and NDLEA in the campaign against the injection of illicit drugs and the knowledge of People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) regarding the harm associated with drug injection before they engaged in act. The study participants include officials from NGOs (three) and NDLEA (one), and four PWIDs selected from Ikeja and Agege Local Government Areas in Lagos state. This study adopted a qualitative approach, using the in-depth interview method. The study was guided by five research questions which informed the development of the interview guide used in data collection. Constant comparative analysis was used to sort the data gathered while the thematic method was employed in data analysis. The findings of this study suggest that interpersonal communication channels in form of peer education and community outreach/engagement are the major communication strategies used by NGOs and NDLEA in the campaign against the injection of illicit drugs in Lagos state. The sampled PWIDs had no prior awareness and knowledge of harm related to the injection of illicit drugs. The NGOs and NDLEA perceived that the communication strategies and channels used in the campaign against the injection of drugs were effective but stimulating positive behaviour changes and inadequate resources were the major challenges encountered in the treatment and rehabilitation of PWIDs. The selected PWIDs were struggling to abstain from drugs but expressed positive intentions toward community-based campaigns against illicit drugs. Based on the study findings, we recommended; more preventive campaigns on drugs abuse highlighting injection of illicit drugs and their consequences, adoption of the seven Cs of effective communication and communication interventions based on Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategies, adequate funding of NDLEA and NGOs as well as engagement of fully rehabilitated and stable PWIDs in community-based campaigns against injection of illicit drugs.

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