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Community Attitudes Toward Opioid Use Disorder and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder in a Rural Appalachian County
Taylor Beachler1, T Aaron Zeller2,3, Moonseong Heo4
1Accountable Communities/Prisma Health, Prisma Health Addiction Research Center, Greenville, South Carolina.
Community attitudes in rural areas reveal significant stigma toward opioid use disorder (OUD). Recognizing OUD as a real illness correlates with reduced stigma and improved understanding of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Rural Health
Background:
- Opioid use disorder (OUD) presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in rural communities.
- Stigma surrounding OUD and its treatment can impede access to care and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess community attitudes towards opioid use disorder (OUD) and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in a rural setting.
- To identify educational strategies for reducing stigma associated with OUD and its treatment.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to residents of a rural community.
- Survey results were analyzed, comparing responses between individuals who recognized OUD as a real illness and those who did not.
Main Results:
- Out of 361 respondents, 69% acknowledged OUD as a genuine illness.
- Individuals recognizing OUD as a real illness showed less agreement that those with OUD are dangerous (P = .014).
- These individuals were more likely to support MOUD effectiveness (P < .001), employment rights for individuals with OUD (P < .001), and universal naloxone administration for overdoses (P = .002).
Conclusions:
- Substantial stigma towards individuals with OUD persists in rural communities.
- Perception of OUD as a real illness is linked to reduced stigma and a better grasp of MOUD.
- Future research should explore effective methods to foster community acceptance of OUD as a legitimate illness.
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