Fentanyl overdose harm reduction intervention: A quasi-experimental study in Southern California

Title : Fentanyl overdose harm reduction intervention: A quasi-experimental study in Southern California

Abstract:

Fentanyl related deaths due to opioid overdoses amongst adolescents have been contributing to large increases in mortality rates within Los Angeles County. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study is designed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes that contribute to substance use behaviors. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two harm reduction videos developed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health by measuring the changes in the level of knowledge and attitudes among high school students. The study participants (N=75) consist of high school students recruited from two local schools. The study is a quasi-experimental pre-post design. The data is analyzed using a paired t-test to measure a change in attitude and level of knowledge pre-and post-test. The R statistical software version 4.3.3 and SPSS 29.0 have been used. The results of the study demonstrate a statistically significant (P ? .05) and moderate increase in the level of knowledge associated with fentanyl usage prevention and administration of Naloxone and fentanyl testing strips. Additionally, the videos led to a positive change in attitudes toward the use of opioids among adolescents. The study recommends that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health incorporate a pre-and post-evaluation component while improving the contents of its existing prevention education to account for current knowledge and attitudes of adolescents towards opioids. 

Audience Take Away:

• The audience would be able to gain valuable insights into novel harm reduction approaches that address opioid overdose epidemic affecting adolescents around the world.
• The research presents an inspirational perspective on delivering effective programming for prevention of substance use for a vulnerable population.
• The project serves as a best practice for other communities facing the impact of pervasive opioid overdose epidemic worldwide. 

Biography:

Neeraj Wadhwa, MBA, MPH, is a Health Educator at the Los Angeles County, Department of Public Health since 2019 working to improve health outcomes among adolescents in areas of substance use, mental health, and sexual health. He has led several key initiatives to further the work of adolescent wellbeing within the department including a qualitative research methodology and data analysis strategy. He is also pursuing a doctoral in public health degree as a third-year student at Loma Linda University and focusing his research on promoting harm reduction strategies to help reduce the incidents of fentanyl-related overdoses amongst adolescents in Los Angeles County. His prior work experience in corporate marketing, business management, and retail has instilled in him a strong business acumen that enables him to contribute positively to the field of public health in areas such as organizational communications, financial analysis, and relationship management. Neeraj holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.