Table 1 Areas, themes, categories and examples of quotes

Facilitators

Easily accessible services

Sterile injecting equipment

SRHR services

Social support and counselling

HIV and HCV testing and treatment

“…much help available under one roof that you would otherwise not get access to”

”It has made a huge difference for many, for example receiving treatment for hepatitis C”

Staff’s approach

Respectful treatment

Practical support

”I have never felt ashamed or anything here, they [the staff], have helped me (…) get in contact with social services”

Barriers

Fear of negative consequences

Fear of losing custody of children

Fear of male partner jealousy and violence

Fear of the waiting area

Fear of being identified as a person who use drugs

Fear of utilizing health care services due to previous bad experiences

Fear of testing with the risk of being infected by HIV or hepatitis

“I know two people who do not want to come here because they have under-aged children”

“My boyfriend and I argue almost every time after I have visited the NEP, He is like: ‘who did you meet?!’ I am like ‘are you going to be jealous for that too?’ I can imagine that’s what it’s like for women who have men who don’t want them to come here [the NEP]”

Practical issues

Geographical distance

Opening hours

“I think it is a pity that it [the NEP] is only open a bit longer once a week. I have had trouble getting here in time”

Improvement suggestions

Women only NEP

Opening hours for women only

A site only for women

”Open a women’s clinic”

Specific needs for women

Extended sexual and reproductive health services

Education on sexual health

Pregnancy and maternity groups

“In general I think that asking more questions about birth control methods and such is important”

Practical improvements

Extended opening hours

Mobile/shelter units

Improved information regarding NEP

“there should be more information about the needle exchange programme at addiction treatment services”