Barriers and facilitators to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) engagement among individuals released from federal incarceration into the community in Ontario, Canada

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Cayley Russell - , University of Toronto (Autor:in)
  • Michelle Pang - , University of Toronto (Autor:in)
  • Frishta Nafeh - , University of Toronto (Autor:in)
  • Shanna Farrell Macdonald - , Correctional Service of Canada (Autor:in)
  • Dena Derkzen - , Correctional Service of Canada (Autor:in)
  • Jürgen Rehm - , Professur für Behaviorale Epidemiologie, University of Toronto, Technische Universität Dresden, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Autor:in)
  • Benedikt Fischer - , University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, The University of Auckland, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Autor:in)

Abstract

Introduction: Correctional populations with opioid use disorder experience increased health risks during community transition periods. Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) can reduce these risks, but retention is a key challenge. This study addresses a knowledge gap by describing facilitators and barriers to OAT engagement among federal correctional populations released into the community in Ontario, Canada. Methods: This article describes results from a longitudinal mixed-methods study examining OAT transition experiences among thirty-five individuals released from federal incarceration in Ontario, Canada. Assessments were completed within one year of participants’ release. Data were thematically analyzed. Results: The majority (77%) of participants remained engaged in OAT, however, 69% had their release suspended and 49% returned to custody. Key facilitators for OAT engagement included flexibility, positive staff rapport, and structure. Fragmented OAT transitions, financial OAT coverage, balancing reintegration requirements, logistical challenges, and inaccessibility of ‘take-home’ OAT medications were common barriers. Conclusions: Post-incarceration transition periods are critical for OAT retention, yet individuals in Ontario experience barriers to OAT engagement that contribute to treatment disruptions and related risks such as relapse and/or re-incarceration. Additional measures to support community OAT transitions are required, including improved discharge planning, amendments to OAT and financial coverage policies, and an expansion of OAT options.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer2094111
Seitenumfang17
FachzeitschriftInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Jahrgang17 (2022)
Ausgabenummer1
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 5 Juli 2022
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 35787743

Schlagworte

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

Schlagwörter

  • Addiction, Canada, community release, corrections, opioid agonist treatment, opioid use disorder, parole, prison, re-incarceration, re-integration, substance use