Discordance Between Self-reported and Biologically Tested Exposure to Fentanyl Among People at Risk of Opioid Overdose

Park, Ju Nyeong; Urquhart, Glenna J.; Morris, Miles; Dahal, Rejwi; Rouhani, Saba; Sherman, Susan G.

doi:10.1097/adm.0000000000000969

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 10 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…However, prior research in this area has been largely regionally focused, and our results provide some insights regarding fentanyl-related attitudes, use, and avoidance behaviors among a majority African American sample, which is an understudied group. For example, we are aware of only one other study [ 25 ] that compared self-report fentanyl use with biological test results among a sample of participants from Maryland, the majority of which were African Americans who mostly (76%) did not inject. While most of their sample indicated trying to avoid fentanyl, they did not probe specifically into the utilization of overdose prevention strategies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fentanyl Exposure and Detection Strategies Utilized by Clinical Trial Participants Seeking Linkage to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment at a Syringe Service Program

Watson,

Ray,

Phalen

et al. 2023

J. Med. Toxicol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction The USA continues to face a fentanyl-driven overdose epidemic. Prior research has demonstrated users of illicit opioids are concerned about fentanyl exposure and overdose, but the strategies they report using to detect fentanyl’s presence lack empirical support. This study compares self-report and biologically detected fentanyl use and investigates overdose risk and risk reduction behaviors among a sample of high-risk people who use opioids. Methods Structured enrollment interviews conducted as part of a larger clinical trial assessed self-reported fentanyl exposure as well as strategies used to determine believed fentanyl exposure and prevent overdose among 240 participants enrolled at a Chicago, IL syringe service program. Urinalysis measured actual fentanyl exposure. Results Most participants identified as African American (66.7%) and had considerable overdose experience (76.7% lifetime and 48% in the past year). Most also tested positive for fentanyl (93.75%) despite reporting no past year use of fentanyl or fentanyl-adulterated drugs (64.17%). The most utilized approaches reported for identifying fentanyl exposure were stronger effects of the drug (60.7%), sight or taste (46.9%), and being told by someone using the same drugs (34.2%). Few participants (14%) reported using fentanyl test strips. No significant associations were identified between self-report and urinalysis measures or urinalysis results and risk reduction strategies. Conclusion This study adds to prior fentanyl exposure risk research. The disconnect between participants’ fentanyl detection methods and reported overdose experiences supports the need for more research to identify and understand factors driving access and use of overdose prevention resources and strategies.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%