Degree Date
6-2024
Document Type
Dissertation - Public Access
Degree Name
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
Academic Discipline
Community Psychology
First Advisor
Judah Viola, Ph.D
Second Advisor
Bradley Olson, Ph.D
Third Advisor
Modena Stinnette Ph.D
Abstract
Harm reduction refers to public health policies and programs aimed at decreasing the adverse consequences associated with drug use. While harm reduction services (e.g., syringe exchange programs) can mitigate health risks, marginalized groups face barriers to service access and utilization, partially due to ineffective messaging approaches that fail to align with cultural values and experiences. A one-size-fits-all approach to messaging can negatively impact service utilization, health outcomes, and health disparities. Ineffective communication can lead to poor adherence to treatment, poorer health outcomes, and increased adverse events.
Culturally insensitive communication contributes to stigma, mistrust, and lack of perceived relevance, discouraging service use. This provided empirical information required to develop equity-focused, culturally centered harm reduction messaging to enhance resonance, reduce stigma, and promote service utilization among racially/ethnically diverse people who use drugs and are affected by drug use. The researcher will conduct in-depth interviews with participants from underserved communities impacted by substance use. Interview questions elicited perspectives on barriers to harm reduction service use and recommendations for crafting messaging content to engage populations often excluded from one-size-fits-all health promotion efforts effectively. Findings will inform the creation of culturally sensitive messaging strategies consisting of language, values, visuals, dissemination channels, and engagement approaches specifically tailored to promote relevance and service access/uptake among marginalized subgroups. Centering community voices and cultural expertise, this research identified equity gaps and barriers to diverse populations' unique harm reduction needs.
Recommended Citation
Omale, Lauretta Ekanem, "DETERMINING FACTORS FOR IMPROVED UPTAKE OF HARM REDUCTION SERVICES IN THE UNITED STATES: A STUDY OF INCLUSIVE, CULTURALLY SENSITIVE MESSAGING" (2024). Dissertations. 846.
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/846
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