Social Contextual Factors Research Articles

The Association Between Classroom Descriptive Norms, Relationship Quality and the Development of Adolescents’ Executive Functioning: A Longitudinal Perspective

Despite work demonstrating that executive function development is influenced by the social environment during childhood, little is known about these processes during adolescence either inside or outside the classroom. This study examined the relationship between executive function development and two social-contextual factors, namely the impact of classroom descriptive norms regarding executive functioning, and perceived social support from teachers and peers. Self-report data was collected from 425 early adolescents ( M age T1 = 13.28; SD = 0.80, 47.1% female) at two timepoints approximately one year apart. Multilevel analyses showed that individual levels of executive functioning were a stronger predictor of executive function development than classroom levels of executive functions. Social support from teachers and peers was not related to executive function development. While these findings offer an initial suggestion that executive function development may occur relatively independently of the social environment, we offer suggestions for future studies to explore this relationship in more detail.

Social interactions and attitudes toward remote learning vs perceptions of its effectiveness in the view of Education 4.0

PurposeThis article presents findings on the relationship between social interactions in remote learning environments and the perceived effectiveness of remote learning. Specifically, it examines the impact of teacher-student interactions and student-student interactions on perceived effectiveness of remote learning, with a focus on how students’ attitudes towards remote education mediate this relationship. Additionally, it explores the moderating effects of cultural context and study form (full-time vs part-time) on these dynamics.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was used, employing a structured survey questionnaire to collect data from a diverse group of students from Poland, India, Indonesia and the UK. The study involved 1,883 students and analysed the data using statistical methods to assess both mediation and moderation effects. The study employed data obtained from a survey of universities in four countries conducted between 2021 and 2022.FindingsThe results emphasise the significant influence of both teacher-student and student-student interactions on students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of remote learning. Positive attitudes towards remote learning were found to mediate this relationship, amplifying the beneficial effects of social interaction. Furthermore, the study reveals that cultural context and study form moderate these relationships, with varying impacts observed across different cultural backgrounds and study arrangements. The study has implications for theory, research, policy implementation and practice in improving education programs.Research limitations/implicationsThe comparative analysis included only four countries, which may have affected the overall representativeness of the results. Because the study is limited to students from Poland, India, Indonesia and the UK, the findings may not fully capture the diversity of remote learning experiences across other cultural and socioeconomic contexts. As a result, there may be challenges in generalising these findings to all higher education settings globally. Future research is recommended to include a more extensive sample from additional countries and regions to validate the current results and enhance their generalisability. Therefore, it is worth continuing research in this area, considering more countries and potential moderating factors.Originality/valueThis research contributes original insights into the dynamics of remote learning during a global crisis, offering an understanding of how social interactions, student attitudes and contextual factors shape perceived effectiveness. These findings provide critical guidance for educators, policymakers and institutions seeking to optimise remote education strategies in diverse cultural and educational settings.

SURVEY ON SOCIALLY INTEGRATED WEARABLE GAIT ROBOTS IN 192 CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH GAIT DYSFUNCTION: A NEW ROBOT STRATEGY AND DESIGN

Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation technology mitigates gait dysfunction caused by neurological conditions by focusing on functional impairments and activity limitations. However, it often neglects integrative robotic designs that address the international classification of functioning (ICF) domains, including impairments, activity limitations, and social community participation. To develop optimal social integration wearable gait-assisting robots for individuals with neurological gait dysfunction through a comprehensive robot design survey, a survey, including 192 participants with gait dysfunction across all age groups, was conducted to identify important demographic and clinical outcome variables and related robotic design features. Data were analyzed using qualitative, correlation, and [Formula: see text] analyses at [Formula: see text]. This survey data identified important relationships between functional ambulation classification and awareness of robot ([Formula: see text]), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and robot satisfaction [Formula: see text], gross motor function classification scale (GMFCS) levels and reason for using robots [Formula: see text] and social participation, considering personal and environmental contextual factors. The correlation between lower TUG scores and higher robot satisfaction suggests that users with mobility challenges benefit more from the wearable gait assisting robot (“MIRACLE”), leading us to refine the interface and control mechanisms to further optimize ease of use and stability for individuals with slower walking speeds or greater balance impairments. This, in turn, results in more tailored assistance and improved user interaction with the robotic device. The survey data can contribute to designing effective, socially integrated robotic systems that will enhance mobility, independence, and social integration for pediatric and adult populations with gait dysfunction. By highlighting these connections in the abstract, we aim to provide a clearer picture of how the study’s results contribute to meaningful improvements in the design and function of the MIRACLE robots, aligning with the ultimate goal of enhancing mobility and user satisfaction.

The Role of Social Support in Concussion Rehabilitation: A Prospective Mixed Methods Study of Canadian University Athletes' Return to Sport.

Social support is an important consideration during athletes' rehabilitation following a concussion. Yet, its influence during the return-to-sport (RTS) strategy has been underexplored. Concussed athletes' experiences with social support during RTS were explored prospectively using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. University rugby, basketball, and track and field athletes (N = 8) from a single Canadian institution, 19-23years of age (mean = 20.63, SD = 1.51), completed concentric circles maps, the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, and 2 semistructured interviews during their RTS. We analyzed concentric circles maps and questionnaire data descriptively and interview data using codebook thematic analysis. Athletes identified 16 different social support agents. The 5 most important agents during RTS were athletic therapists, student therapists, head coaches, significant others, and teammates/friends. Significant others provided the most emotional (mean = 2.82, SD = 1.85) and esteem (mean = 2.63, SD = 1.85) support, and the athletic therapist (mean = 1.82, SD = 1.35) and head coaches (mean = 0.93, SD = 1.19) provided the most informational and tangible support. We generated 4 themes from athletes' interviews: social support behaviors, contextual factors, concussion and RTS factors, and psychological readiness factors. The number of social support agents present, frequency of support types, and demonstration of support behaviors decreased across the concussion RTS strategy. Contextual (ie,toughness), concussion (ie,visibility), and RTS (ie,prognosis uncertainty) factors influenced athletes'perceptions of social support agents' support behaviors. Results add to our limited understanding of athletes' social support during RTS following a concussion and suggest exploring the integration of behavior-specific (eg,checking in, providing reassurance, and demonstrating compassion) social support strategies to promote concussion rehabilitation and readiness to RTS.

Conceptualizing identity construction in language teacher education

AbstractThe construct of identity has been widely debated among social theorists, as previous understandings of identity have given way to new conceptualizations that consider the important impact of social contextual and material factors. In light of this, it is clear that our theories of identity construction require heightened consideration of the dynamicity of such social and material factors, as do our analytical frameworks. This article compares different theoretical frameworks and heuristics that researchers have used to document and explore identity construction in terms of their analytic potential and how they have been used to shape scholarship related to language teacher identity. Following each of these descriptions, I identify areas where the use of a single theoretical and analytical framework may fall short of providing a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of identity construction. In doing so, I echo and bolster previous arguments for complementary, multilayered, and integrated identity models that may prove most useful for future research in language teacher identity construction, and which can contribute broadly to language‐centered and sociomaterial identity inquiry across academic disciplines.

Impact of the leadership styles of school principals on bullying victimization and perpetration among youth

BackgroundSchool bullying is a common phenomenon that has negative consequences for student development in many areas and is a significant public health problem. Research conducted, particularly in the socioecological model, provides knowledge about the relationships between both individual characteristics and broader social context factors and bullying. The results of the research conducted in recent years indicate that bullying may be influenced by the leadership provided by school principals. The aim of the present research was to search for relationships between leadership styles reported by school principals and the victimization and perpetration of bullying reported by students.MethodsData analyzed were collected from 3,863 students in grades 7–9 from 22 schools combined with data from self-reported leadership styles of principals. Data on victimization and perpetration of bullying, student characteristics and the school climate reported by students, and data on the leadership styles of school principals were collected. Logistic regression was used in the analyses.ResultsThe charismatic leadership style of principals is associated with increased reported victimization and perpetration of bullying by students. Two leadership styles play a protective role. A team-oriented leadership style is associated with decreased victimization, and a humane-oriented style is associated with decreased reported bullying perpetration by students.ConclusionsThe results add nuance to the findings of previous research indicating that the leadership style of school principals may act as a risk or protective factor against peer bullying.

Predictors and consequences of unplanned drinking among young adults.

Predictors and consequences of unplanned drinking among young adults.

Re-reading Pistorius. How Do Hegemonic Masculinity, Celebrity Status, and Affective Atmosphere Help Us Understand Pistorius's Crime?

Oscar Pistorius's parole in January 2024 offers a new perspective on the South African runner. This article examines Pistorius within the context of social factors that influenced his behavior and the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. Drawing on Connell's gender order theory, Messner's triad of violence, and affective atmosphere, it reveals how Pistorius, despite his disability, embraced hegemonic masculinity and became a sports star. The case highlights professional men's sports as a potential risk factor for violent behavior but underscores the need for contextualizing violence in sports, as predicting its occurrence is complex.

Using internet-assisted geocoding of 1940 census addresses to reconstruct enumeration districts for use with redlining and longitudinal health datasets.

Many historical administrative documents, such as the 1940 census, have been digitized and thus could be merged with geographic data. Merged data could reveal social determinants of health, health and social policy milieu, life course events, and selection effects otherwise masked in longitudinal datasets. However, most exact boundaries of 1940 census enumeration districts have not yet been georeferenced. These exact boundaries could aid in analysis of redlining and other geographic and social contextual factors important for health outcomes today. Our objective is to locate and map a large set of 1940 enumeration districts. We use online resources and algorithmic solutions to locate and georeference unknown 1940 enumeration districts. We geocode addresses using the OpenCage API and construct "virtual" enumeration districts by using a convex hull algorithm on those geocoded addresses. We also merge in Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) redlining maps from the 1930s to demonstrate how 1940 enumeration districts could be used in future work to examine the association between historic redlining and current health. We geocode 7,228,656 1940 census addresses from the largest 191 US cities in 1940 that contained 84% of the 1940 US urban population from the Geographic Reference File and construct 34,472 virtual enumeration districts in areas that had HOLC redlining maps. 18,340 virtual enumeration districts were previously unmapped, covering cities containing an additional 40% of the 1940 US urban population. Where virtual enumeration districts match with previously mapped districts, 96.8% of paired districts share HOLC redlining categorization. Researchers can use algorithmic methods to quickly process, geocode, merge, and analyze large scale repositories of historical documents that provide important data on social determinants of health. These 1940 enumeration district maps could be used with studies such as the Health and Retirement Study, Panel Study for Income Dynamics, and Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.

PEMAKNAAN MASYARAKAT MUSLIM KABUPATEN PEKALONGAN TENTANG HUKUM WARIS ISLAM

This research discusses the interpretation of the muslim community in Pekalongan Regency regarding Islamic inheritance law. There are two questions that are the focus of discussion in this research, namely about how the interpretation of the muslim community of Pekalongan Regency about Islamic inheritance law, and how the implications of the interpretation of the Muslim community of Pekalongan Regency regarding Islamic inheritance law on the practice of inheritance distribution. This research is legal sociology research. The technical analysis used is qualitative descriptive analysis, to describe and explain data in the form of the interpretation of the muslim community about Islamic inheritance law that has been obtained as it is. The research concluded that: First, the understanding of muslim community in Pekalongan Regency about Islamic inheritance law was not significantly correlated with the level of formal education. Second, one's level of understanding of Islamic inheritance law does not necessarily coincide with the level of interpretation of the law. Interpretation better reflects how the understanding is applied in daily practice. Interpretation can be influenced by social, cultural, economic, and individual or family context factors. Third, the interpretation of Islamic inheritance law has implications for the practice of implementing the distribution of inheritance.

The role of peers, teachers, and family on daily positive affect among school students: A 10-day experience sampling study

This study innovatively contributes to the extensive research on student well-being by investigating how social-contextual factors influence students’ day-to-day experiences at both the inter- and intra-individual level. Over 10 days, 324 school students aged 15-17 provided twice-daily data on positive affect (PA) and peer relationship quality (PRQ). Data was analysed using Dynamic Structural Equation Modelling. Findings revealed substantial within-person fluctuations in PA (66%). Baseline social support from peers, teachers, and family, as well as momentary PRQ, predicted PA on different levels. Peer social support (PSS) exerted the most significant influence on between-person PA (PSSPA [95% CI] = .36, [.25, .47]), followed by teacher social support (TSR). However, neither of the baseline social support factors moderated the PRQ-PA effect (e.g. TSRβ1 [95% CI] = .19, [-.05, .41]). This research enhances our understanding of key social-contextual factors influencing daily PA changes in students. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AFFORDANCES APPROACH IN GAMIFICATION RESEARCH FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The contemporary organizational work landscape is becoming more and more digital and experiencing changes in workforce and work management. Productivity, flexibility and collaboration become the essence of the workplace. This leads to the consequence that motivation plays a pivotal role in the success and efficiency of many organizations. Moreover, organizations are facing challenges in how to inspire, energize and keep employees motivated. In response to this challenge, gamification, which is well-known as the application of game elements and principles for non-game purposes in a business context, emerges as a strategic instrument, to incentivize and motivate employees toward predetermined goals, objectives and behaviours. The goal of gamification applications is not only to enrich the usual work environment with game elements but also to create affordances that would serve as stimuli to promote employee motivation by satisfying psychological needs and encouraging employees to achieve goals. Hence, successful gamification application experiences in organizations have led to the fact that now gamification is one of the most common motivation tools in contemporary modern organisations. This study aims to explore the importance and relevance of the affordances approach in gamification research for Human Resource Management (HRM) as well as its implications in organisational contexts. To achieve this aim, the databases of Web of Science, Wiley online library, Scopus, and EBSCO host were searched for relevant articles for this systematic literature review. It includes 35 articles with empirical results, relevant to the field of business and management. This research focuses on peer-reviewed studies published in the English language from 2015 to 2023. Methods used for presenting and synthesizing results included conducting a systematic literature review based on PRISMA reporting guidelines. Furthermore, the systematic literature review was conducted using the digital qualitative data analysis tool MaxQDA and Mendeley reference manager for importing bibliographic data. For the contribution of the field, themes related to affordances theory have been identified and the findings have been structured to demonstrate the interrelationships between these concepts and their relevance in the HRM context. This study reveals that affordances can vary depending on the environment and can be influenced by social dynamics, contextual factors, organizational practices, or individual perceptions. The comparison of the studies allowed the identification of research gaps and areas for future research on gamification in HRM. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the significance of the affordances approach in understanding how gamification can influence employee psychological and behavioural outcomes in HRM contexts.

Enhancing Career Performance: Key Factors in Career Adaptability Among Aṣnāf Faqīr

This qualitative study explores the factors influencing career adaptability that contribute to the career development of Aṣnāf Faqīr (poor) individuals. Using thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, the research involved 12 participants. The findings highlight various elements impacting the career adaptability of those from low-income backgrounds, including personal traits like self-efficacy and resilience, social context factors such as family support and mentor access, and career-related experiences like education and job training. Furthermore, the study shows a positive link between career adaptability and improved employability, confidence, and career mobility among the poor. The research underscores the importance of investing in career development programmes tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of individuals with limited financial resources. Therefore, Aṣnāf Faqīr development programmes should provide the necessary skills and resources to effectively navigate the job market and achieve greater economic stability.

Using machine learning to identify the top predictors of adolescent’s interactive technology use for entertainment: Evidence from a longitudinal study

Using machine learning to identify the top predictors of adolescent’s interactive technology use for entertainment: Evidence from a longitudinal study

Inhibitory Control in Late Childhood as a Predictor of Antisocial Behavior in Adolescence and the Role of Social Context.

Understanding the factors contributing to adolescent antisocial behavior is crucial for effective interventions. Protracted development of cognitive control systems supporting inhibitory control may be linked to increases in adolescent antisocial behavior, suggesting the promotion of inhibitory control as a potential preventative strategy. Concurrently, social contextual factors, including peer relationships, parent-child dynamics, and the neighborhood environment, may exacerbate or buffer the risk posed by low inhibitory control. In a large, longitudinal sample of youth from racially and ethnically diverse low-income families (N = 731), we examined the association between inhibitory control (age 10.5) and antisocial behavior (age 14) and explored contextual factors (neighborhood, peer relationships, parent-child relationship) as potential moderators. Lastly, we investigated whether a randomized controlled trial of the Family Check-Up (FCU) intervention started at age 2 predicted a decreased youth report of antisocial behavior in adolescence via increased inhibitory control in late childhood. We found that lower inhibitory control in late childhood predicted increased antisocial behavior in adolescence. For youth with low inhibitory control, living in a dangerous neighborhood or associating more with deviant peers increased the risk for adolescent antisocial behavior. Finally, the FCU intervention indirectly reduced youth-reported adolescent antisocial behavior via enhancing inhibitory control in late childhood, and the indirect effect was strongest for youth in risky contexts (e.g., low parental knowledge and control). Although risky contexts can exacerbate individual risks related to deficits in inhibitory control, greater inhibitory control may be a protective factor. Additionally, early childhood interventions can improve inhibitory skills and decrease the risk of adolescent antisocial behavior, particularly for youth within risky contexts.

Bridging discourses on health promotion and social sustainability towards healthy community development

The aim of this paper is to argue for the need to bridge the discourses of health promotion and social sustainability as an important step toward healthy community development. By building on theories and empirical knowledge from both disciplines, we advocate for the field of health promotion to take a more assertive role within the social sustainability discourse because the theoretical and empirical knowledge from health promotion research is needed. Likewise, we argue that the strong emphasis on social justice and contextual community factors within the social sustainability discourse could contribute to developing the health promotion discourse. Furthermore, we suggest that place-based methods and analyses used in current health promotion research could serve as tools to better integrate knowledge on both physical and social dimensions, thereby enhancing inter-disciplinary collaboration to develop socially sustainable communities.

Characteristics and Correlates of Health Information Literacy Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics and the influential effect of individual and social contextual factors on health information literacy among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes coexisting with metabolic syndrome. Following convenience sampling, a total of 225 patients with type 2 diabetes coexisting with metabolic syndrome were recruited from a tertiary hospital in a suburban area of Beijing, China. Participants' information was gathered through a set of self-reported questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, normality test, correlational analysis, univariate analysis, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression analysis were adopted to examine the potential factors of personal and social contextual resource related to health information literacy based on the health empowerment theory. The health information literacy in this current sample was limited, with a mean score of 16.83 ± 2.96. Correlational analysis showed that self-management knowledge, attitude, and practice for metabolic syndrome; self-efficacy; health problem-solving; resilience; and chronic illness resources were significantly and positively related to health information literacy. Logistic regression analysis showed that self-management knowledge, health problem-solving, and the chronic illness resources were significantly correlated with health information literacy after controlling covariates. Overall, the health information literacy among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes coexisting with metabolic syndrome is suboptimal. Study findings demonstrated that personal and social contextual resources factors are significantly related to health information literacy. Health care professionals should consider strategies to enhance people's health information literacy level and promote individuals' health problem-solving, enhance chronic illness resources, and improve self-management knowledge when developing tailored interventions.

Measuring social environment factors of depressed inpatients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract The course and management of mental illness are both influenced by social contextual factors. Standardised questionnaires are required to monitor inpatients’ social environment and to design interventions. This study aims to describe the social environment of inpatients with depression using standardised instruments, and to analyse the instrument’s applicability. This cross-sectional study included depressed adult inpatients admitted to a German psychiatric hospital. We used three standardised questionnaires to evaluate social risk factors: the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) and the Social Cohesion and Trust Scale (SCTS). The appropriateness of the questionnaires was assessed with a context-specific quality appraisal. Our study included 196 patients with depression having a mean age of 38.8 (SD = 13.7) years of whom 50% were female. A total of 164 (85%) of patients reported a family history of mental health problems, and 31 (38.8%) had experienced discrimination. Analyses of the LSNS and WHODAS showed that the prevalence of social isolation and disability was significantly higher among inpatients compared to the general population. The WHODAS scores were highest in patients aged 18-30, while social isolation was elevated but stable among different age groups (range 18.7- 19.4%). Both, the WHODAS and LSNS showed good clinical applicability, comparability, and test properties. A lack of validation in a young population of the LSNS was considered a weakness. The SCTS showed imperfections in its applicability and comparability. Depressed inpatients have a limited social network compared to the general population. We emphasise the importance of assessing the applicability of questionnaires representing social environment as the basis for developing interventions. We recommend systematic monitoring of social characteristics to identify potential targets of intervention and thereby facilitate the management of depression. Key messages • Hospitalised patients with depression have a decreased social functioning and a smaller social network compared to the general population. • Standardised social environment questionnaires should be consented and used to plan and enrich depression management.

The relationship between peer social support and self-regulated learning in Samarinda Ulu state junior high school students

Purpose: The capacity for self-regulated learning (SRL) assumes a pivotal role among state junior high school students (SMPN), necessitating autonomy in learning endeavors due to the evolving nature of educational processes. Social contextual factors, especially peer social support (PSS), exert significant influence on the manifestation of self-regulated learning. This study aims to elucidate the association between peer social support and self-regulated learning among students of state junior high schools in Samarinda Ulu. Method: Employing quantitative correlational research methodology. Random sampling techniques were employed, with sample sizes adjusted to ensure representation across schools, resulting in a cohort of 347 participants from seven state junior high schools within the Samarinda Ulu sub-district. Research instruments included the Peer Support Questionnaire scale and measures of self-regulated learning. Statistical analysis, using the Pearson Product Moment test aided by the Jamovi application. Result: Revealed a significant correlation with a p-value of 0.001 < 0.05 and a correlation coefficient of r = 0.399, This shows that the hypothesis in this study is proven, showing that there is a relationship between PSS and SRL. This value shows a positive number, which means there is a positive but relatively low relationship between the SRL variable and the PSS variable. The meaning can be interpreted as if the higher the PSS, the SRL possessed by students will also be classified as high. Then conversely, if the PSS level obtained is lower, then the SRL possessed by students will also be classified as low. Conclusion: Based on the results of the Pearson product moment correlation test, ap value of 0.001 <0.05 and an r value = 0.399 was obtained, which means that the working hypothesis (Ha) in this study was accepted, namely that there is a significant relationship between peer social support and self-regulated learning, the nature of the correlation is positive, which means that an increase in the score on the peer support variable will cause an increase in the SLR score. However, the magnitude of the correlation is relatively low, where the variance in peer social support that can explain the SLR variance is 15.92%.

Social determinants of injection drug use-associated bacterial infections and treatment outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Individual injecting practices (e.g., intramuscular injecting, lack of skin cleaning) are known risk factors for injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections; however, social contexts shape individual behaviours and health outcomes. We sought to synthesize studies assessing potential social determinants of injecting-related infections and treatment outcomes. We searched five databases for studies published between 1 January 2000 and 18 February 18 2021 (PROSPERO CRD42021231411). We included studies of association (aetiology), assessing social determinants, substance use, and health services exposures influencing development of injecting-related infections and treatment outcomes. We pooled effect estimates via random effects meta-analyses. We screened 4,841 abstracts and included 107 studies. Several factors were associated with incident or prevalent injecting-related infections: woman/female gender/sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-1.83; n=20 studies), homelessness (aOR 1.29, 95%CI 1.16-1.45; n=13 studies), cocaine use (aOR 1.31, 95%CI 1.02-1.69; n=10 studies), amphetamine use (aOR 1.74, 95%CI 1.39-2.23; n=2 studies), public injecting (aOR 1.40, 95%CI 1.05-1.88; n=2 studies), requiring injecting assistance (aOR 1.78, 95%CI 1.40-2.27; n=8 studies), and use of opioid agonist treatment (aOR 0.92, 95%CI 0.89-0.95; n=9 studies). Studies assessing outcomes during treatment (e.g., premature hospital discharge) or afterward (e.g., rehospitalization; all-cause mortality) typically had smaller sample sizes and imprecise effect estimates. Injecting-related infections and treatment outcomes may be shaped by multiple social contextual factors. Approaches to prevention and treatment should look beyond individual injecting practices towards addressing the social and material conditions within which people live, acquire and consume drugs, and access health care.