DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/B71P-5K65
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
DACE SVIKIS
Abstract
Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) individuals are disproportionately impacted by substance use disorders vs. their non-SGM counterparts. Additionally, SGM folks face more barriers to access for treatment than others due to minority stressors including discrimination, internalized stigma, and marginalization related to their sex and gender minority statuses. It is important for researchers and treating providers alike to understand how these different factors are impacting the treatment of substance use disorders in SGM populations. With this in mind, this two phase study employed a mixed-methods approach to (1) describe the population of SGM folks enrolled in a MOUD treatment program with a focus on engagement and retention called BRITER (“Bringing Resources Individually To Engage Recovery”) at a clinic in Baltimore, MD, (2) identify factors impacting treatment engagement and retention using subjective experiences and quantitative measures, and (3) better understand the impact of COVID-19 on treatment in a sample of SGM individuals with OUD. The majority of Phase 1 participants in the eligible participant pool (n=52) were bisexual women, screened positive for PTSD at enrollment, and were receiving Methadone treatment. Of that participant pool, N=4 completed surveys and interviews in Phase 2. From the interviews, five themes were identified as influencing treatment engagement among SGM including: how they think about themselves, their experience of support vs. discrimination during treatment by staff and fellow patients, the support they have from family and friends to engage in care, as well as policy associated with the context in which they are receiving treatment. SGM in treatment for OUD encounter unique challenges when engaging in treatment, and further research is needed to ascertain how best to support them.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-9-2023