"The life they save may be mine": diffusion of overdose prevention information from a city sponsored programme.
BACKGROUND
Overdose remains the leading cause of death among injection drug users (IDUs) in the United States. Overdose rates are consistently high in Baltimore, MD, USA. The current qualitative study examines diffusion of information and innovation among participants in Staying Alive, an overdose prevention and naloxone distribution programme in Baltimore, MD.


METHODS
In-depth interviews were conducted between June 2004 and August, 2005 with 25 participants who had completed the Staying Alive training and had reported using naloxone to revive an overdose victim. Interviews were taped and transcripts were transcribed verbatim.


RESULTS
Participants were 63% male, 63% African American, and the median age was 41 years old. Participants successfully shared information on overdose prevention and management, particularly the use of naloxone, to their peers and family.


CONCLUSIONS
The current study demonstrates IDUs' interest in and ability to diffuse overdose prevention information and response skills to the injection drug use community. The study underscores the importance of promoting the diffusion of information and skills within overdose prevention programmes.
Sherman
Susan G
SG
Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, E6543 Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. ssherman@jhsph.edu
Gann
Donald S
DS
Tobin
Karin E
KE
Latkin
Carl A
CA
Welsh
Christopher
C
Bielenson
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D003625:Data Collection; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000379:methods; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone