Acceptability of implementing community-based drug checking services for people who use drugs in three United States cities: Baltimore, Boston and Providence

摘要

Background: North America is experiencing a rising trend of opioid overdose exacerbated primarily in recent years through adulteration of the heroin supply with fentanyl and its analogues. The east coast of the United States has been particularly hard hit by the epidemic. In three east coast states of Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, fentanyl has been detected in over half of all overdoses with available toxicology screens. To determine the acceptability of drug checking involving fentanyl test strips (FTS) or other technologies among those at high risk for overdose, we assessed correlates of intention to utilize such services and logistical preferences among people who use drugs (PWUD).