"Health Is on the Back Burner:" Multilevel Barriers and Facilitators to Primary Care Among People Who Inject Drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The estimated 2.2 million people who inject drugs (PWID) in the USA experience significant gaps in preventive healthcare and a high burden of infectious, psychiatric, and other chronic diseases. Many PWID rely on emergency medical services, which are costly and not designed to deliver preventive services, manage chronic conditions, or address social needs.

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to primary care utilization from the perspectives of PWID in New England, a region highly affected by the overdose crisis.

Design

Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring substance use and healthcare utilization patterns.

Participants

We recruited 78 PWID through community-based organizatio

SUBMITTER: Motavalli D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7858998 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature