(1322) College Student Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Opioid Overdose and Harm Reduction at a Large, Public University

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess undergraduate and graduate student attitudes regarding opioid overdose and naloxone at a large, public university. Overdose due to opioid use has been an increasing problem within the southern United States in recent years. The number of college-aged students utilizing illicit drugs has increased, as well as the cases of polysubstance use and the addition of illegally manufactured fentanyl into other substances. Harm reduction strategies, including life-saving techniques aimed at prevention and risk reduction, have been implemented to reduce overdose encounters. Examples include increased access to naloxone, syringe programs, fentanyl test strips, or medication assisted therapy. However, the topic of overdose and harm reduction is often met with stigma. Previous literature has focused on college student’s knowledge of opioid use, overdose, and general knowledge on the topic. There is existing data regarding actual and perceived knowledge, as well as experiences with overdose situations. However, evidence is lacking regarding student perception and attitudes about opioid overdose. Understanding college student’s attitudes towards opioid overdose and harm reduction can give insight into ways to reduce stigma and address misconceptions in this population.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey will be conducted on the campus of a public, state university in North Carolina. A 25-item questionnaire will be developed via the online survey platform, Qualtrics. The questionnaire will be distributed using campus email ListServs and by posting flyers with a QR code that links to the survey at key locations on the college campus. Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at the university who are 18 years or older will be eligible for inclusion. Faculty, staff, and post-doctoral trainees will be excluded. The survey will consist of three main sections: 1) perceptions towards opioid overdose and harm reduction, 2) supplemental questions, and 3) demographics. The perceptions section will include questions assessing attitudes regarding opioid use overdose, associated stigma and stereotypes, knowledge of harm reduction strategies like naloxone and fentanyl test strips, knowledge of where to access harm reduction strategies on campus, and willingness to obtain or use harm reduction strategies on campus. The supplemental questions section will inquire about previous opioid prescriptions, North Carolina laws such as the naloxone standing order, and previous overdose encounters. The demographics section will assess age, gender, race/ethnicity, health insurance, year in school/graduate level and campus affiliations (Greek life, pre-professional organizations, athletics, or other groups). The questionnaire will be pilot tested with a small sample of pharmacists and pharmacy staff to allow for feedback regarding wording and appropriateness of question content. Completion of the survey will be voluntary and confidential. To improve survey response, participants will have the option to enroll in a separate random drawing to win one of ten $25 gift cards. Once the survey window has closed, the information will be exported to a Microsoft Excel file and stored on a password-protected computer. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to evaluate data.

Results: Institutional Review Board approval is anticipated in November 2023. The survey will launch in January 2024. The survey will be open for 30 days. Email reminders will be sent on day 15 and day 25. Data analysis will occur in February 2024.

Conclusions: This study aims to assess college-level student attitudes regarding opioid overdose and harm reduction, along with on-campus resources for naloxone. Based upon the data obtained, future directions could include implementation of educational sessions, flyers promoting naloxone, or other efforts. Dependent upon survey results, harm reduction strategies at the site can also expand to provide safe care to more individuals.