Assessing Knowledge of Opioid Misuse and Harm Reduction: A Community Partner Collaboration.

OBJECTIVE

A key element in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's plan to address the opioid epidemic is to strengthen evidence-based community prevention efforts. Prevention agencies seeking to educate community members on safe use of opioids and to reduce harm from misuse can strategically plan their educational interventions by first assessing current knowledge. To this end, a local university in New Jersey conducted a study to assess opioid awareness in the county served by a regional substance abuse prevention agency.

METHODS

Attendees at community events volunteered to participate in an opioid awareness survey. The survey investigated knowledge about use of opioids, risks of misuse, and practices which have been implemented to reduce harm associated with opioid use.

RESULTS

Surveyed community members (n=159) were well informed about the risks of opioid misuse and addiction. However, knowledge about the medical indications for use of opioids and about the use and accessibility of naloxone to reduce harm from opioid misuse was not as well established.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational efforts should focus on increasing knowledge about appropriate medical indications for use of opioids. In addition, more widespread publicization of the use and accessibility of naloxone will increase community awareness of this harm reduction practice.