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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kate SwainstonORCiD, Bethany WetherellORCiD, Dr Emma JoyesORCiD, Gary Pankhurst, Dr Darren JohnsonORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.Background: The Northeast of England faces severe health disparities, increased drug and alcohol use, and significant inequality impacts. This study aimed to extend understanding of the health needs of people associated with drug and alcohol misuse and to identify the barriers and facilitators to meeting these specific needs. Method: A mixed method approach was used, which included a tailored behavioral insights survey (n = 38) and semi-structured interviews with eight service users recruited via a Treatment and Recovery service in the Northeast of England. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data with thematic analysis. Findings: The study highlighted several health priority areas, with acute mental health issues being a primary difficulty for service users. The thematic analysis generated four themes illustrating the central barriers and facilitators affecting the fulfillment of health and wellbeing needs among service users: Positive environments and supportive relationships facilitated engagement, whilst stigma, internalized norms, and practicality issues were pertinent barriers. Conclusion: The results suggest the critical need for strategic changes, including the co-location of services at user-preferred centers, reducing economic challenges. While also addressing the issue of stigma, focusing on raising professional awareness and addressing personal beliefs among service users regarding healthcare services.
Author(s): Swainston K, Robinson C, Pinder M, Wetherell B, Joyes E, Reay A, Pankhurst G, Johnson D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Substance Use
Year: 2024
Pages: epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 09/06/2024
Acceptance date: 23/05/2024
Date deposited: 18/06/2024
ISSN (print): 1465-9891
ISSN (electronic): 1475-9942
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2024.2365168
DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2024.2365168
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