Understanding Financial Barriers to Opioid Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Anyanwu Precious, Olateju Olajumoke A., Tata Vaishnavi, Varisco Tyler, Gilbert Lauren R., Ogunsanya Motolani E., Essien E. James, Johnson Michael L., Thornton J. Douglas
Primary Institution: University of Houston College of Pharmacy
Hypothesis
What financial barriers affect treatment continuation in individuals with opioid use disorder?
Conclusion
Most participants described the need for resources to offset the unaffordable cost that inhibits treatment initiation and retention.
Supporting Evidence
- Nearly all participants indicated a financial barrier that led to delayed treatment initiation and retention.
- Participants reported both direct and indirect costs associated with treatment as significant barriers.
- Many participants resorted to criminal activities to afford treatment.
Takeaway
People trying to get help for opioid addiction often can't afford the treatment, which makes it hard for them to stay in recovery.
Methodology
Qualitative study using semi-structured focus group interviews and thematic analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to purposeful sampling from motivated individuals in community programs.
Limitations
Findings may be subject to selection bias, recall bias, and social desirability bias, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mostly female (60.7%), white (96.4%), non-Hispanic (85.7%), and aged 30-49 (71%).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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