Association between demographic and drug use characteristics on drug use behaviors following fentanyl testing strip use
OA Version
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Abstract
Fentanyl and its analogues are highly potent drugs contributing to the continuous rise in opioid-related drug overdose deaths. This is because of rates of fentanyl use are increasing due to its adulteration in the drug supply as well as intentional fentanyl use. To help combat this public health problem, harm reduction techniques are being used. One notable technique, fentanyl testing strips (FTS), can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl and some analogues from a drug sample. Identification of fentanyl through a FTS may promote the implementation of a behavior, such as deciding not to use the drug, or using the drug while implementing an additional harm reducing behavior. Existing literature suggests that FTS use yields drug use behavior change in some users but not all. We hypothesize that there are certain demographic and drug use characteristics that are associated with drug use behaviors in response to FTS testing. This cross-sectional study will allow for the identification of associations between demographic and drug use characteristics and certain drug use behaviors following FTS use. With data from this study, the efficacy of FTS as a harm reduction technique will be measured; and, with this information, harm reduction recommendations and education can be better-tailored and, thus, more effective at preventing opioid-related drug overdose deaths.
Description
2024