More than saving lives: Qualitative findings of the UNODC/WHO Stop Overdose Safely (S-O-S) project

Original research
par
Walker, Shelley et al

Date de publication

2022

Géographie

International

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Non

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Non

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

The Stop Overdose Safely (S-O-S) initiative—developed in compliance with WHO guidelines—aims to prevent opioid overdose deaths. Under the umbrella of this initiative a multi-country project was implemented in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine, that involved overdose recognition and response training, including the provision of take-home naloxone (THN).

Constatations/points à retenir

Findings revealed how past experiences of trauma and loss related to overdose death were common, as was appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the S-O-S training. Participants described how they shared knowledge and skills with others. Empowerment and destigmatising narratives featured prominently, and highlighted how for people who use drugs, feeling valued and cared about—not only by families and friends, but by health care providers, and sometimes police—was a positive outcome of their participation. Nevertheless, findings also revealed how real experiences of fear regarding police intervention was a barrier to carrying naloxone and intervening when faced with an overdose situation.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Data were drawn from focus group discussions with 257 project participants from across all four countries, including people who use and inject drugs, and others likely to witness an opioid overdose.

Mots clés

Overdose
Mortality
Harm reduction
About PWUD
Barriers and enablers
Legal system/law enforcement
Illegal drugs
Peer/PWLLE program involvement