Bystander preference for naloxone products: a field experiment
Katherine R Marks1,2, Douglas R Oyler3, Justin C Strickland4
1Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. katie.marks@ky.gov.
Harm Reduction Journal
|November 29, 2023
Summary
Bystanders prefer higher-dose naloxone nasal spray for overdose reversal. Ease of use and naloxone dose significantly influence product choice for community distribution.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bystander naloxone administration is crucial for reducing opioid overdose deaths.
- Selecting preferred naloxone products for community distribution increases bystander willingness to carry and administer them.
- Understanding product features that drive preference is essential for effective overdose prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bystander preference for three FDA-approved naloxone products.
- To identify key product features influencing bystander choice for naloxone administration.
- To inform community distribution strategies for opioid overdose reversal agents.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 503 participants at the Kentucky State Fair received naloxone training.
- Participants rated willingness to administer three naloxone formulations: higher-dose nasal spray, lower-dose nasal spray, and intramuscular injection.
- Participants selected a naloxone product to take home and rated factors influencing their choice.
Main Results:
- The higher-dose naloxone nasal spray was the most preferred product (44.4%), followed by the intramuscular injection (30.1%) and lower-dose nasal spray (25.5%).
- Ease of use (9/10), naloxone dose (8/10), and product familiarity (5/10) were the most significant factors influencing product selection.
- Bystanders demonstrated high willingness to administer all tested naloxone formulations.
Conclusions:
- Product preference for bystander naloxone administration is influenced by specific product features like ease of use and dosage.
- Continuous evaluation of naloxone formulation acceptability is vital as product availability increases.
- Incorporating feedback from individuals with lived experience is critical for successful adoption of overdose reversal agents and saving lives.
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