Scientific Poster Session III - Late-Breaking Original Research

Late Breaking Original Research
  Monday, October 14, 2024
  01:00 PM–02:30 PM

Abstract

Introduction: The University of Louisiana at Monroe Harm Reduction Education and Referral for Opioid Overdose Reversal (ULM H.E.R.O) Training Program is an evidence-based, harm reduction program provided to first responders with the aim of decreasing stigma regarding harm reduction strategies for opioid use disorder and increase referrals to treatment recovery centers. Currently, there is no available scale to assess a change in attitudes for harm reduction.

Research Question or Hypothesis: Is there a positive change in attitudes towards harm reduction strategies for opioid use disorder using a newly developed harm reduction attitude scale (HRAS)?

Study Design: A total of 99 Louisiana first responders participated in this study. The HRAS scale was developed using a Likert scale question format. Training sessions covered topics related to stigma and harm reduction for opioid use and opioid overdoses.

Methods: Data were collected using the HRAS survey administered before and after training sessions. Survey questions included attitudinal questions towards harm reduction methods. T-tests and Marginal Homogeneity tests were used on questions to gauge changes in correct responses and the proportions of responses. Data were analyzed using Stata MP 18 software.

Results: Results from a paired t-test on the mean scores of the HRAS show that there was a statistically significant increase in the mean scores from pre- to post- training after attendees completed the training session (+7.44, p =.001). We also found that most (15 out of 22) of the questions increased in the proportion of positive answers, some by as much as 36% to 37% (p =.001) from before to after the training, the remaining having either non-significant changes or marginally positive increases.

Conclusion: The findings support the conclusion that the ULM HERO training improved perceptions towards harm reduction strategies about opioid use and treatment of overdoses in a positive direction. We are currently validating the HRAS for future use.

Presenting Author

Alexis Horace PharmD
University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy

Authors

Jameshia Below PharmD
Aaron Brown Bachelor of Sociology
University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy

Oscar Garza PhD
University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy

Stephen Hill PharmD
University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy