5 - Exploring the Barriers and Proposals of Achieving Optimal Oral Health in People Who Use Drugs

Abstract: Objectives
Through this research we explore the barriers and proposals of achieving optimal oral health in people who use illicit drugs from the perspectives of services providers in oral health and alcohol and drugs services, people with lived experiences of using drugs and the policymakers.
Aims
Exploratory stage:
What are the barriers, enablers and proposals associated with achieving optimal oral health in people who use drugs from the perspective of service providers of oral health?
What are the barriers, enablers and proposals associated with achieving optimal oral health in people who use drugs from the perspective of providers of alcohol and drugs services?
Confirmatory stage:
What are the most acceptable and feasible strategies from the perspectives of consumers and policymakers to achieve optimal oral health in people who use drugs?
Methods
Qualitative data was collected from the service providers of oral health services and alcohol and drugs services to address the research questions of the exploratory stage. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted across thirty-four participants in the regional and metropolitan areas of Australia. The findings of the exploratory stage will inform the aims of the confirmatory stage which will involve policy makers and peak body members. Data mixing will occur during the data collection, analysis, and interpretation across the two stages of the study.
Significance
It is expected that the findings will support the consideration of oral health as a primary field of care in harm reduction for people who use drugs in the regional and metropolitan areas.

Source of Funding: None