Craig Cumming1, Lakkhina Troeung2, Jesse T Young3, Erin Kelty2, David B Preen2. 1. Centre for Health Service Research, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Electronic address: craig.cumming@uwa.edu.au. 2. Centre for Health Service Research, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. 3. Centre for Health Service Research, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Level 2, 10 Selby Street, Shenton Park, Western Australia 6008, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine use is associated with a range of poor health, social and justice outcomes. In many parts of the world increased methamphetamine use has been identified as a major public health concern. Methamphetamine treatment programmes have been effective in reducing and ceasing use, however a range of barriers have prevented these programmes being widely adopted by methamphetamine users. This review examines the barriers to accessing meth/amphetamine treatment identified in the literature. METHODS: Databases were systematically searched using relevant terms for peer-reviewed articles describing original research exploring the barriers to accessing treatment for meth/amphetamine use. Reviews and grey literature were excluded. Eleven studies conducted in 5 countries were included in data synthesis; this involved a systematic review of all 11 studies, and meta-analysis of the prevalence of barriers reported in 6 studies that published sufficient quantitative data. RESULTS: Psychosocial/internal barriers to accessing methamphetamine treatment were most prevalent across studies (10/11 studies). Meta-analysis confirmed the four most commonly endorsed barriers to treatment access across studies all psychosocial barriers were embarrassment or stigma (60%, 95% CI: 54-67%); belief that treatment was unnecessary (59%, 95% CI:54-65%); preferring to withdraw alone without assistance (55%, 95% CI:45-65); and privacy concerns (51%, 95% CI:44-59%). CONCLUSIONS: The primary barriers to accessing methamphetamine treatment are psychosocial/internal. Services and treatment models that address these barriers are urgently required. There is a growing need for methamphetamine-appropriate treatment services. Further research evaluating treatment engagement and effectiveness for methamphetamine and polysubstance use, including the development of effective pharmacotherapies is warranted.
BACKGROUND:Methamphetamine use is associated with a range of poor health, social and justice outcomes. In many parts of the world increased methamphetamine use has been identified as a major public health concern. Methamphetamine treatment programmes have been effective in reducing and ceasing use, however a range of barriers have prevented these programmes being widely adopted by methamphetamine users. This review examines the barriers to accessing meth/amphetamine treatment identified in the literature. METHODS: Databases were systematically searched using relevant terms for peer-reviewed articles describing original research exploring the barriers to accessing treatment for meth/amphetamine use. Reviews and grey literature were excluded. Eleven studies conducted in 5 countries were included in data synthesis; this involved a systematic review of all 11 studies, and meta-analysis of the prevalence of barriers reported in 6 studies that published sufficient quantitative data. RESULTS:Psychosocial/internal barriers to accessing methamphetamine treatment were most prevalent across studies (10/11 studies). Meta-analysis confirmed the four most commonly endorsed barriers to treatment access across studies all psychosocial barriers were embarrassment or stigma (60%, 95% CI: 54-67%); belief that treatment was unnecessary (59%, 95% CI:54-65%); preferring to withdraw alone without assistance (55%, 95% CI:45-65); and privacy concerns (51%, 95% CI:44-59%). CONCLUSIONS: The primary barriers to accessing methamphetamine treatment are psychosocial/internal. Services and treatment models that address these barriers are urgently required. There is a growing need for methamphetamine-appropriate treatment services. Further research evaluating treatment engagement and effectiveness for methamphetamine and polysubstance use, including the development of effective pharmacotherapies is warranted.
Authors: Nicholas A Kolaitis; Roham T Zamanian; Vinicio A de Jesus Perez; David B Badesch; Raymond L Benza; Charles D Burger; Murali M Chakinala; Jean M Elwing; Jeremy Feldman; Matthew R Lammi; Stephen C Mathai; John W McConnell; Kenneth W Presberg; Jeffrey C Robinson; Jeffrey Sager; Oksana A Shlobin; Marc A Simon; Steven M Kawut; David V Glidden; Jonathan P Singer; Teresa De Marco Journal: Ann Am Thorac Soc Date: 2021-04
Authors: Reece Cossar; Mark Stoové; Stuart A Kinner; Paul Dietze; Campbell Aitken; Michael Curtis; Amy Kirwan; James R P Ogloff Journal: Health Justice Date: 2018-01-13