Health Seeking Behavior and Access to Health Care Service in Covid-19 Pandemic among Persons who Inject Drugs (PWID): A Case Study from 5 Provinces in Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to study substance use behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and gather information on access to healthcare services among the group of injectable substance users in five provinces in Thailand. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, with a sample group of 241 individuals selected through quantitative surveys. The research also utilized purposive and snowball sampling methods, with the involvement of field staff from APASS for qualitative data collection. In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 participants. The study found that the sample group was predominantly male, comprising 220 individuals (91.30%), 16 females (6.60%), and 5 LGBT individuals (2.10%). The average age was 37.50 years. Heroin was the most commonly used substance (74.30%), and most users reported using multiple substances simultaneously, typically smoking combined with Yaba/YaIce (crystal meth). Access to health information and services was generally good (23.70% and 16.20%, respectively). Online media was the primary channel for seeking health-related information (64.00%). Most participants reported having access to personal protective equipment, including hand sanitizer and face masks (74.30%), and the majority received COVID-19 testing from mobile testing units (53.10%). The qualitative data indicated that they trusted health information from both media and government agencies. Some expressed intentions to quit or reduce substance use, citing challenges related to healthcare facility hours and transportation as barriers.