Demographic Analysis of Populations Accessing an Overdose Response Training Created at a College of Pharmacy

To analyze and compare demographics of two distinct populations accessing an online opioid overdose response training program hosted on two websites.

A retrospective comparative analysis was completed using post-training survey data collected from October 2019 through October 2023. The training and survey were accessible through the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Department of Health websites. Demographics were compared between access points and to characteristics of populations at-risk for overdose.

4,785 surveys were included. Participants accessing the training through the university website were more likely to be racial minorities and students. Participants accessing through the Department of Health were more likely to be gender minorities, low-income, and work in healthcare or trades. No differences in rurality or education level existed; both groups indicated satisfaction with training.

The same online overdose response training can reach different populations with demographic characteristics associated with increased overdose risk when made accessible through multiple access points.