A qualitative study of service engagement and unmet needs among unstably housed people who inject drugs in Massachusetts

Hassan, Rashida; Roland, Katherine B.; Hernandez, Brenda Y.; Goldman, Linda; Evans, Kimberly N.; Gaul, Zaneta; Agnew-Brune, Christine; Fukuda, Hideki

doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108722

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Among this sample of PWID, unmet needs were prevalent and desire for more harm reduction services was high, especially among those who co-use methamphetamine and illicit opioids. The current study is consistent with previous work identifying mental health services, housing, harm reduction, and infectious disease prevention as critical for PWID [ 18 ]. Unsurprisingly, fentanyl strips were also identified as a critical need, reflecting the high mortality risk associated with synthetic opioids [ 7 , 30 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: differences by co-use of illicit opioids and methamphetamine

Sun,

Sauda,

Hoopsick

2024

Harm Reduct J

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Background The current fourth wave of the United States opioid overdose epidemic is characterized by the co-use of opioids and stimulants, including illicit opioids and methamphetamine. The co-use of these two drugs, known as “goofballing,” is associated with higher risk for several adverse outcomes, including more frequent injections, greater health risks, and higher morbidity. Considering these differences, this unique subpopulation of people who inject drugs (PWID) may also have unique unmet needs and harm reduction preferences. Methods We collected self-reported data from participants (N = 50) of a syringe services program (SSP), including basic needs and harm reduction preferences. Using bivariate analyses, we examined differences between SSP participants who do and do not co-use illicit opioids and methamphetamine. Co-use was defined as reporting the use of both drugs, which may or may not have been used simultaneously. Results In the overall sample, the mean level of need was highest for bus passes or other transportation, a person who can help you get the services you need, medication for opioid use disorder, and a job or job training. Additionally, all participants reported being either interested or very interested in fentanyl test strips, safe consumption sites, delivery of syringe service supplies, and delivery of naloxone. Those who endorsed co-use had a greater need for food, healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, a support person to help them access needed services, and bus passes or transportation. Conclusions Unmet needs were prevalent, and the desire for more harm reduction services was high among these PWID. Results also suggest people who co-use illicit opioids and methamphetamine may have the greatest unmet needs and desire for additional harm reduction services.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: differences by co-use of illicit opioids and methamphetamine

Sun,

Sauda,

Hoopsick

2024

Harm Reduct J

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Among this sample of PWID, unmet needs were prevalent and desire for more harm reduction services was high, especially among those who co-use methamphetamine and street opioids. The current study is consistent with previous work identifying mental health services, housing, harm reduction, and infectious disease prevention as critical for PWID (Hassan et al, 2022). Unsurprisingly, fentanyl strips were also identi ed as a critical need, re ecting the high mortality risk associated with synthetic opioids (Ciccarone, 2017;Zoorob, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: Differences by co-use of street opioids and methamphetamine

Sun,

Sauda,

Hoopsick

2024

Preprint

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Background The current fourth wave of the United States opioid overdose epidemic is characterized by the co-use of opioids and stimulants, including street opioids and methamphetamine. The co-use of these two drugs, known as “goofballing,” is associated with higher risk for several adverse outcomes, including more frequent injections, greater health risks, and higher morbidity. Considering these differences, this unique subpopulation of people who inject drugs (PWID) may also have unique unmet needs and/or harm reduction preferences. Methods We collected self-reported data from participants (N = 50) of a syringe services program (SSP), including basic needs and harm reduction preferences. Using bivariate analyses, we examined for differences between SSP participants who do and do not co-use street opioids and methamphetamine. Results In the overall sample, the mean level of need was highest for bus passes or other transportation, a person who can help you get the services you need, medication for opioid use disorder, and a job or job training. Additionally, all participants reported being either interested or very interested in fentanyl test strips, safe consumption sites, delivery of syringe service supplies, and delivery of naloxone. Those who endorsed co-use had a greater need for food, healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, a support person to help them access needed services, and bus passes/transportation. Conclusions Unmet needs were prevalent, and the desire for more harm reduction services was high among these PWID. Results also suggest people who co-use street opioids and methamphetamine may have the greatest unmet needs and desire for additional harm reduction services.

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Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to the fentanyl-adulterated drug supply among people who use drugs in Oregon

LaForge¹,

Stack²,

Shin³

et al. 2022

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

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A qualitative study of service engagement and unmet needs among unstably housed people who inject drugs in Massachusetts

Cited by 4 publications

References 44 publications

Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: differences by co-use of illicit opioids and methamphetamine

Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: differences by co-use of illicit opioids and methamphetamine

Unmet needs and harm reduction preferences of syringe services program participants: Differences by co-use of street opioids and methamphetamine

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to the fentanyl-adulterated drug supply among people who use drugs in Oregon

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