BACKGROUND: Among substance users, health seeking remains a major challenge for which few data are available. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the perceptions of methadone-maintained heroin users who are also problem or heavy drinkers, their barriers and facilitators to seeking help for substance and general and chronic care treatment. METHODS: A qualitative design using a semistructured focus group approach was conducted with a convenience sample of 41 adult clients of a methadone maintenance facility in Los Angeles. RESULTS: Findings revealed that discrimination was a major challenge experienced as a result of their methadone status. Lack of primary care providers, limited access to health care facilities and access barriers were pervasive. Focus group participants expressed a desire for nonjudgemental and empathetic care that would foster respect and facilitate help-seeking behaviors through a comprehensive support system. CONCLUSIONS: The need to design culturally relevant training programs was evident which included an integration of treatment, communication and societal issues.
BACKGROUND: Among substance users, health seeking remains a major challenge for which few data are available. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the perceptions of methadone-maintained heroin users who are also problem or heavy drinkers, their barriers and facilitators to seeking help for substance and general and chronic care treatment. METHODS: A qualitative design using a semistructured focus group approach was conducted with a convenience sample of 41 adult clients of a methadone maintenance facility in Los Angeles. RESULTS: Findings revealed that discrimination was a major challenge experienced as a result of their methadone status. Lack of primary care providers, limited access to health care facilities and access barriers were pervasive. Focus group participants expressed a desire for nonjudgemental and empathetic care that would foster respect and facilitate help-seeking behaviors through a comprehensive support system. CONCLUSIONS: The need to design culturally relevant training programs was evident which included an integration of treatment, communication and societal issues.
Authors: Adeline Nyamathi; Peggy Compton; Allan Cohen; Mary Marfisee; Steven Shoptaw; Barbara Greengold; Viviana de Castro; Mashid Reaves; Albert Hasson; Daniel George; Barbara Leake Journal: West J Nurs Res Date: 2009-01-07 Impact factor: 1.967
Authors: Fitri Fareez Ramli; Ahmad Nazrun Shuid; Rashidi Mohamed Pakri Mohamed; Tg Mohd Ikhwan Tg Abu Bakar Sidik; Isa Naina Mohamed Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-11-01 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Catherine Anne Field; Jan Klimas; Joseph Barry; Gerard Bury; Eamon Keenan; Bobby P Smyth; Walter Cullen Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2013-07-13 Impact factor: 2.497