Going into the Groin: Injection into the Femoral Vein among people who inject drugs in three urban areas of England
Abstract
Background: There have been increasing concerns about injection into the femoral vein – groin injecting among people who inject drugs in a number of countries, though most studies have been small. The extent, reasons and harms associated with groin injecting are examined.
Method: Participants were recruited using respondent driven sampling (2006–2009). Weighted data was examined using bivariate analyses and logistic regression.
Results: The mean age was 32 years; 25% were women (N = 855). During the preceding 28 days, 94% had injected heroin and 13% shared needles/syringes. Overall, 53% reported ever groin injecting, with 9.8% first doing so at the same age as starting to inject. Common reasons given for groin injecting included: “Can’t get a vein elsewhere” (68%); “It is discreet” (18%); and “It is quicker” (14%). During the preceding 28 days, 41% had groin injected, for 77% this was the only body area used (for these “It is discreet” was
more frequently given as a reason). In the multivariable analysis, groin...