Factors that influence enrollment in syringe services programs in rural areas: a qualitative study among program clients in Appalachian Kentucky.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Enrolling sufficient number of people who inject drugs (PWID) into syringe services programs (SSP) is important to curtail outbreaks of drug-related harms. Still, little is known about barriers and facilitators to SSP enrollment in rural areas with no history of such programs. This study's purpose was to develop a grounded theory of the role of the risk environment and individual characteristics of PWID in shaping SSP enrollment in rural Kentucky.

Methods

We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 41 clients of 5 SSPs that were established in rural counties in Appalachian Kentucky in 2017-2018. Interviews covered PWID needs, the process of becoming aware of SSPs, and barriers and facilitators to SSP enrollment. Applying constructivist grounded theory

SUBMITTER: Ibragimov U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8244225 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature