title: Barriers and Facilitators to Substance Use Treatment in the Rural South: A Qualitative Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Little qualitative research has examined factors associated with care in substance abuse treatment agencies in Southeastern rural communities. This study explored client- and agency stakeholder-perceived barriers and facilitators to substance use treatment delivery in southeastern rural communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Group and individual interviews were conducted with 40 key stakeholders and 40 clients at 9 substance abuse agencies serving rural communities in a southeastern state. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to substance abuse services in rural communities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four primary themes emerged from the client and stakeholder interviews as both barriers and facilitators: availability of services for individuals with substance use disorders; access to the current technology for client services and agency functioning; cost of services; and stigma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identifies novel barriers and facilitators to substance use care in the rural South and highlights essential areas for consideration when developing and implementing substance use care in this geographic region. These findings can be used as guidelines to provide better care to individuals with substance use disorders living in rural communities.
authors.forename: Teri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Priester
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clone
authors.forename: Aidyn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iachini
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DeHart
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hock
mesh_terms: D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015144:Southeastern United States; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: access to care; alcohol abuse; drug abuse; qualitative research; satisfaction with care