Lived Experience of Individuals Covered by Harm Reduction Centers in Isfahan: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background:Addiction is among the most pressing matters across the globe. Harm reduction (HR) is among the most basic public health approaches aimed at altering high-risk behaviors in the addict population. The authors of the present work sought to investigate the health issues of addicted people through a qualitative study of the "lived experience of individuals covered by harm reduction centers in Isfahan."Materials and Methods:The researcher in this qualitative research conducted in-depth 30-45-min semistructured interviews with 35 individuals utilizing the services of six HR centers in Isfahan and some of their family members. The data collected from interviews were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method, employing Granheim and Lundman's conventional inductive approach.Results:Participants had a mean (SD) age of 38 +/- 3.5, among whom 77.14 were unemployed, 48.57 were illiterate, and 80 used drugs more than once daily. Codes were classified into the three main categories of reasons behind addiction, reasons behind quitting, and various life challenges of respondents, encompassing 14 subcategories.Conclusions:Findings from the interviews and identified challenges suggested the imperativeness of further attention to the studied population regarding health, well-being, and socio-economic issues.