Behavioural Patterns of Drug Users In Highland

3.2. Study protocol

The purpose of the study and its anonymous, voluntary and confidential nature was explained to each respondent who was invited to take part. To be eligible for inclusion in the study, respondents had to have injected a drug at least once in the two months prior to interview. The structured interview schedule took about 45 minutes to complete and covered all aspects of the study aims. At the end of the interview, respondents were asked to provide a sample of saliva which was tested anonymously for hepatitis C and HIV antibodies.