Harm Reduction and Adaptations Among PWUD in Rural Oregon During COVID-19.
AIDS Behav
; 25(5): 1331-1339, 2021 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1037966
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may influence HIV/HCV transmission risk behaviors in rural communities. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with people who use drugs (PWUD) in five rural Oregon counties and asked about COVID-19 impact on substance use and harm reduction practices and their advice for improving public health responses. Participants (n = 36) reported using only methamphetamine (52.8%), only heroin (16.7%), or both (30.6%); 75% of participants reported recent injection. Three thematic categories emerged SSP adaptations and accessibility, PWUD harm reduction practices, and policy suggestions. Participants noted the importance of SSPs to COVID-19 prevention and wellbeing, though some experienced increased barriers, leading to increased risky injection practices. Participants suggested need-based rather than one-for-one exchange, increasing syringe delivery services, encouraging secondary exchange by PWUD, and peers as trusted voices for information exchange. Rapid implementation of policy and practice changes are urgently required to improve SSP access, reinforce safer use, and prevent HIV/HCV and COVID-19 transmission.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
HIV Infections
/
Substance Abuse, Intravenous
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
AIDS Behav
Journal subject:
Behavioral Sciences
/
SINDROME DA IMUNODEFICIENCIA ADQUIRIDA (AIDS)
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S10461-020-03141-4
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