Evaluating fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction strategy in rural and urban counties: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Opioid-related fatalities are a leading cause of death in Ohio and nationally, with an increasing number of overdoses attributable to fentanyl. Rapid fentanyl test strips can identify fentanyl and some fentanyl analogs in urine samples and are increasingly being used to check illicit drugs for fentanyl before they are used. Fentanyl test strips are a promising harm reduction strategy; however, little is known about the real-world acceptability and impact of fentanyl test strip use. This study investigates fentanyl test strip distribution and education as a harm reduction strategy to prevent overdoses among people who use drugs.

Methods

The research team will recruit 2400 individuals ≥ 18 years with self-reported use of illicit drugs or drugs purchased on the stree

SUBMITTER: Short Mejia A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11373481 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature