Barriers and facilitators to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) engagement among individuals released from federal incarceration into the community in Ontario, Canada
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
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
Original language | English |
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Article number | 2094111 |
Journal | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2022 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
PubMed | 35787743 |
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Keywords
Sustainable Development Goals
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- Addiction, Canada, community release, corrections, opioid agonist treatment, opioid use disorder, parole, prison, re-incarceration, re-integration, substance use