The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who inject drugs accessing harm reduction services in an rural American state.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The impact of public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic on people who inject drugs (PWID) has varied across regions. In other countries, recent research has shown that PWID access to harm reduction services, despite rapid adaptations, has been negatively impacted. Our study describes these impacts in a rural state.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with PWID, community partners, and healthcare providers in the rural state of Maine (USA). We explored how changes made during the pandemic impacted access to harm reduction services, including basic services (i.e., shelter), syringe service programs, safe drug supply, low barrier treatment, and peer support. Interviews were analyzed using the framework method to apply Penchansky's model of acces

SUBMITTER: Thakarar K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9305035 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature