Patient Perspectives of Barriers to Naloxone Obtainment and Use in a Primary Care,Underserved Setting: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background

Gaps in naloxone obtainment and use are not well studied, particularly among minoritized groups.

Objective

To describe patient perspectives that serve as barriers to naloxone obtainment and the number of patients who obtained naloxone in a primarily African American population in a primary care, underserved setting.

Methods

This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews and included 36 adults who were prescribed naloxone at a federally qualified health center using convenience sampling. Participants answered survey questions describing naloxone acceptability, perceived risk for overdose, and barriers to naloxone use.

Results

Sixty-nine percent of the patients were Black or African American. The majority of patients attempted to fill their naloxone at a local pharmacy (69%) and reported no difficulties (88%). Five major themes revealed: overall positive views of naloxone because it saves lives; existing knowledge gaps related to indications for naloxone prescription; stigma surrounding receiving a naloxone prescription; inadequacies of the patient education provided; and the role providers play in naloxone receptivity

Conclusions

Among a majority African American population, many perceived naloxone to be lifesaving. However, stigmatizing perceptions and inability to recall patient education contribute to a perception of low overdose risk. Further research describing the impact of the opioid epidemic on underrepresented groups is necessary.