Principle Investigator(s):
Funder: National Institute of Mental Health
Project period: 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2025
Grant Type: Research
Abstract Text:
This project proposes to explore the challenges people who inject drugs (PWID) experience when they are internally displaced and seek and/or access opioid agonist therapies (OAT) in Ukraine. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the study will conduct interviews with PWID who are seeking OAT (either as transfer or new patients) in conflict, near conflict, and remote destination regions. The study will also conduct interviews with providers to understand main provider- and system-level barriers to streamlining OAT provision across different sites and regions. "Individuals with health conditions often face exacerbated challenges during conflict as their access to life-saving treatment or medications can be compromised," writes Dr. Machavariani. "We hope that the lessons learned from our project will contribute to improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations in conflict settings."
