Wright, N., Oldham, N., Francis, K. et al. (1 more author) (2006) Homeless drug users' awareness and risk perception of peer "Take Home Naloxone" use – a qualitative study. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 1 (28). ISSN 1747-597X
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Peer use of take home naloxone has the potential to reduce drug related deaths. There appears to be a paucity of research amongst homeless drug users on the topic. This study explores the acceptability and potential risk of peer use of naloxone amongst homeless drug users. From the findings the most feasible model for future treatment provision is suggested.
METHODS
In depth face-to-face interviews conducted in one primary care centre and two voluntary organisation centres providing services to homeless drug users in a large UK cosmopolitan city. Interviews recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically by framework techniques.
RESULTS
Homeless people recognise signs of a heroin overdose and many are prepared to take responsibility to give naloxone, providing prior training and support is provided. Previous reports of the theoretical potential for abuse and malicious use may have been overplayed.
CONCLUSION
There is insufficient evidence to recommend providing "over the counter" take home naloxone" to UK homeless injecting drug users. However a programme of peer use of take home naloxone amongst homeless drug users could be feasible providing prior training is provided. Peer education within a health promotion framework will optimise success as current professionally led health promotion initiatives are failing to have a positive impact amongst homeless drug users.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2006 Wright et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > University of Leeds Research Centres and Institutes > Centre for Research in Primary Care (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Sherpa Assistant |
Date Deposited: | 26 Jan 2007 |
Last Modified: | 24 Oct 2016 16:59 |
Published Version: | http://www.substanceabusepolicy.com/content/1/1/28 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | BioMed Central |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1186/1747-597X-1-28 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:1929 |