Original research
by
Walker, Shelley et al
Release Date
2022
Geography
International
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
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).
Findings/Key points
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.
Design/methods
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.
Keywords
Overdose
Mortality
Harm reduction
About PWUD
Barriers and enablers
Legal system/law enforcement
Illegal drugs
Peer/PWLLE program involvement
