Reducing the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder: evaluating an opioid overdose prevention training program applied to a diverse population

Background The opioid epidemic is a rapidly growing public health concern in the USA, as the number of overdose deaths continues to increase each year. One strategy for combating the rising number of overdoses is through opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs). Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative OOPP, with changes in knowledge and attitudes serving as the primary outcome measures. Methods The OOPP was developed by a group of medical students under guidance from faculty advisors. Training sessions focused on understanding stigmatizing factors of opioid use disorder (OUD), as well as protocols for opioid overdose reversal through naloxone administration. Pre- and post-surveys were partially adapted from the opioid overdose attitudes and knowledge scales and administered to all participants. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess differences between pre- and post-surveys. Results A total of 440 individuals participated in the training; 381 completed all or the majority of the survey. Participants came from a diverse set of backgrounds, ages, and experiences. All three knowledge questions showed significant improvements. For attitude questions, significant improvements were found in all three questions evaluating confidence, two of three questions assessing attitudes towards overdose reversal, and four of five questions evaluating stigma and attitudes towards individuals with OUD. Conclusions Our innovative OOPP was effective not only in increasing knowledge but also in improving attitudes towards overdose reversal and reducing stigma towards individuals with OUD. Given the strong improvements in attitudes towards those with OUD, efforts should be made to incorporate the unique focus on biopsychosocial and sociohistorical components into future OOPPs.

The Readiness of Psychiatrists to Implement Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Introduction: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a promising approach in psychiatry; evidence is growing and it may not be long before mainstream services are expected to offer it to selected patients. This pilot study examined the attitudes and knowledge of NHS psychiatrists of all levels towards psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and explored potential barriers and facilitators to its implementation.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, using a cross-sectional survey and focus groups. All psychiatrists in one NHS mental health trust were approached by email to participate. The survey was analysed using a simple descriptive approach and thematic analysis was used for the focus groups.Results: Eighty-three (25.7%) psychiatrists participated in the survey. All psychiatrists were familiar with one or more psychedelic substances. Although 77.2% felt that there should be a role for controlled or therapeutic use of psychedelics, trainees appeared better informed than non-training grade psychiatrists. Psychiatrists of all grades did not feel prepared to participate in the delivery of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Thematic analysis of the focus groups identified three main themes in relation to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: “need for knowledge,” “openness to change,” and “uncertainty.”Discussion: NHS psychiatrists are positive about the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy to advance psychiatric practise. However, psychiatrists are lacking in confidence or preparedness to implement this treatment should it become a mainstream option and significant training needs were identified. Thematic analysis highlighted the need for societal shifts as well as professional ones.

Challenges for recovery of large carnivores in humanized countries: attitudes and knowledge of sheep farmers towards brown bear in Western Pyrenees, Spain

During 2017, we studied knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards brown bears by extensive mountain sheep farmers in the Western Pyrenees, using a structured questionnaire, specifically, whether the scarce bear presence, or the administrative region, was influential. Livestock raising practices are mainly family properties and have suffered a strong decline in the last decades. Despite its low abundance (only 2 bear individuals during the study period in the area), there was a generalized negative attitude towards the presence of bears. Farmers considered bear presence as incompatible with sheep mountain herding. One third of them have experienced bear damages, although this was not the main difficulty for the viability of farming practices. They were able to change husbandry practices after wildlife and dog’s damages, increasing vigilance, hiring shepherds, and using livestock guarding dogs, whose work is perceived as satisfactory. Farmers considered that information available about bear and compensation systems for damages was insufficient, and should be improved.

Landlord Perceptions on Homelessness in Northern Utah

Homeless programs often rely on landlord engagement for successful implementation. However, there is very little research that examines landlord perspectives related to homelessness. Better understanding landlords’ opinions and attitudes regarding those experiencing homelessness can inform program development and policy in the efforts to prevent and mitigate homelessness in the U.S. A 49-question survey was created and administered by social work faculty and students to landlords and property managers throughout the Bear River Region of northern Utah (N = 134). The survey contained a variety of questions that assessed landlord attitudes and knowledge toward those experiencing homelessness as well as their comfortability in renting to these individuals. Results revealed that landlords would like to help solve homelessness in their community, but they do not know where to start. Additionally, results showed that landlords’ willingness to rent to individuals experiencing homelessness is dependent on contextual factors, such as having more information regarding the individual, their income, past rental history, and other factors. Finally, results showed that landlords had biases toward specific groups of individuals experiencing homelessness (e.g., landlords felt more comfortable renting to those with physical disabilities than those with substance misuse histories). Results are discussed in context of program, policy, and research implications.

Development Of Production-Based Learning Models For Optimizing The Technopreneurship Spirit In Higher Education

Development of production-based learning models carried out to seek validity, practicality and effectiveness in the application of technopreneur courses in universities. Production-based learning model is an alternative to develop students' skills, attitudes and knowledge that are relevant today. Research and development is used to test the validity of experts through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), then limited trials are carried out in the development of this production-based learning model. From the processes carried out, a new syntax development is produced which refers to the previous model syntax. The development of the syntax sequence is (1) an analysis of the curriculum and characteristics of students; (2) Product identification and analysis; (3) Make important questions about the product; (4) Question mapping; (5) analysis of equipment and materials needed for the product to be made; (6) create a business plan (7) product manufacturing process; (8) small-scale operations that include promotion and sales, (9). Summative evaluation; From the stages of the research carried out, the resulting Aiken's V value is 0.812 with a valid category, while the calculation of the Effectiveness value gets the results of 82.22 (effective) and Practicality of 89.33 (very practical). So it can be said that the production-based learning development model has validity, practicality and effectiveness values ​​that meet the requirements, so it is feasible to apply.

A Household-Based Survey to Understand Factors Influencing Awareness, Attitudes and Knowledge towards Wolbachia-Aedes Technology

In 2016, Singapore introduced the release of male Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes to complement vector control efforts and suppress Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in selected study sites. With ongoing expansion of Project Wolbachia–Singapore to cover larger areas, a household-based survey was conducted between July 2019 to February 2020 in two Project Wolbachia study sites using a structured questionnaire, to evaluate current sentiments and assess the need for enhanced public messaging and engagement. The association of factors that influence awareness, attitudes, and knowledge towards the use of Wolbachia-Aedes technology was analysed using Pearson’s Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Of 500 respondents, 74.8% were aware of Project Wolbachia–Singapore. Comparatively, the level of knowledge on Wolbachia-Aedes technology was lower, suggesting knowledge gaps that require enhanced communication and messaging to address misinformation. Longer exposure to the project predicted greater awareness, whereas higher education levels predicted higher knowledge levels. Younger age groups and higher education levels were associated with high acceptance towards the project. High levels of trust and acceptance towards the project were also observed across the population. The public’s positive perception of the project is a testament to the effective public communication undertaken to date and will facilitate programme expansion.