‘Affording’ new approaches to couples who inject drugs: A novel fitpack design for hepatitis C prevention

摘要: Abstract Background In the West, hepatitis C is predominantly transmitted via sharing of contaminated drug-injecting equipment. Although majority this occurs between sexual partners, responsibility for avoiding transmission has long been conceived as an individual responsibility, with prevention measures such distribution sterile injecting equipment packs (‘fitpacks') aimed at individuals without regard social contexts injecting. article we draw on work Bruno Latour to reconceptualise fitpack. We argue that fitpack not inert or neutral in its meaning effects, instead it ‘affords' particular meanings and actions, example, practice safety responsibility. Method To challenge these affordances, developed a new prototype couples, along related health promotion messages. asked 13 couples who inject drugs examine reflect objects Results Overall, found high level support broad idea couples-oriented materials, well our associated materials. Participants identified opportunities improving materials commented implications symbols language used. Together interviews demonstrated ways which fitpacks messages could afford safe injecting, better recognition relationships are often dismissed by researchers care providers insincere. Conclusions These findings demonstrate first, there need desire greater range harm reduction resources. Second, essential find acknowledging validity value people inject. Third, more broadly, must be given role technological materialising and, might put it, ‘moralities', turn interrogating moralities.