Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Background

The opioid crisis has severely impacted health outcomes in the United States, particularly in rural areas, where barriers to medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) persist. Although medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD is effective, access remains limited, especially in these communities.

Aim

This study identifies and examines barriers to accessing office-based OUD treatment in rural areas of the United States.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 49 adults with OUD treated at an outpatient facility in rural Missouri. The survey assessed familiarity with OUD medications, barriers to accessing treatment, difficulties finding providers, and support systems. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to compare accessibility and emotional barriers.

Results

The primary barriers identified were related to accessibility (54%), including costs, insurance, clinic hours, and transportation, significantly outweighing emotional barriers like stigma or lack of support (26%). Accessibility barriers were notably higher than cases reporting no barriers (p<0.01) and higher than those who reported emotional barriers (p<.05). This highlights the need for improved infrastructure and support.

Conclusion

Cost, insurance, clinic location, and limited clinic hours are significant obstacles to OUD treatment in rural areas. Addressing these barriers through strategies like expanded clinic hours, telehealth, transportation assistance, and physician education is essential to improving access to care for OUD patients in rural settings.

DOI

10.7759/cureus.73373

Publication Date

11-10-2024

Keywords

addiction medicine, medication based treatment for opioid use disorder, opioid use disorder, quality improvement research, rural access to health, rural health services

ISSN

2168-8184

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