Research

Seeing is believing: an educational outreach activity on disinfection practices

Sarah-Amelie Mercure^1,2 , Isabelle Tetu^2,3 , Steeve Lamonde³ , Francoise Cote^1,2 and Guides de rue working group³

¹Faculté des Sciences infirmières, Université Laval, Pavillon Agathe-Lacerte, Québec (Qc), Canada

²Programme interfacultaire en Santé Communautaire, Université Laval, Québec (Qc), Canada

³Point de Repères, 530 Saint-Joseph est, Québec (Qc), Canada

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Harm Reduction Journal 2008, 5:7doi:10.1186/1477-7517-5-7

Published:	12 February 2008

Abstract

Background

Skin and soft-tissue infections are very common among persons who inject drugs. They occur when microbes pass under the protective layer of the skin and proliferate. This happens when harm reduction recommendations such as skin aseptia before injection and sterile injection equipment usage are not properly followed.

Methods

A group of active drug users involved in a health promotion project as peer educators were asked about their formation needs. To address their inquiries concerning skin and soft-tissue infections, we devised with them a series of workshops touching upon common infections, the microflora, and microbial transmission.

Results

Participants learned to identify common infections and how to properly react in case of an abscess, cellulitis or phlebitis. They saw microscopic objects, found out about the high prevalence of microbes in their environment and on their skin, and could appreciate the efficiency of different washing and disinfection techniques. They visualized how easily microbes can spread from person to person and from contaminated objects to persons.

Conclusion

In the weeks following this activity, some participants demonstrated and reported healthy behavioural changes regarding their own injection practices. Furthermore, they shared their newfound knowledge and began enforcing its application among people they inject drugs with. Most participants greatly appreciated this activity and valued it as being highly efficient and tangible. Note: A French version of this paper is available on the Journal's web site [see Additional file 1].