Faculty Mentor: Jacob Steenblik (Nursing, University of Utah)

The opioid epidemic continues to be a significant public health crisis in the United States, contributing to widespread morbidity and mortality (National Institutes of Health, 2024). Utah has particularly seen a high prevalence of drug-related overdose deaths, with opioids being a leading cause (Utah Office of the Attorney General, 2024). Naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), an FDA-approved medication since 1971, effectively reverses opioid overdoses by competitively binding to receptors in the brain to block the effects of opioids and restore breathing (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022). Naloxone is most commonly administered through an intranasal spray, though it may also be delivered intravenously or by intramuscular injection. When administered quickly and correctly, naloxone’s efficacy in reversing opioid overdoses ranges from 75-100% (Rzasa Lynn & Galinkin, 2017).

This ongoing quantitative study evaluates the current knowledge and perceptions of naloxone among individuals presenting to the University of Utah Emergency Department (UUED). By assessing public awareness, we aim to inform and enhance opioid education and naloxone distribution (OEND) initiatives across Utah. Data were collected through an initial survey conducted in the UUED using convenience sampling, as well as a 30-day follow-up survey via phone.

Preliminary findings indicated a lack of naloxone literacy. For example, 55.3% (n=1,270) of surveyed patients were unfamiliar with the drug and its potential uses. However, 23.0% (n=1,267) of respondents reported having a family member or close friend who currently uses opioids, while 29.6% (n=1,266) stated that they had a family member or close friend who has died of a drug overdose. These findings emphasize the critical need for expanded education on naloxone’s life-saving applications.

These data suggest that there is low naloxone literacy among UUED patients, which may contribute to poorer outcomes in the event of an opioid overdose and circumstances where a naloxone kit could be utilized. As such, increased investment in OEND programs could improve community knowledge, access, and training for naloxone administration. Although these findings are representative of the Salt Lake and surrounding counties, they have broad implications for national efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, underscoring the necessity for widespread naloxone education.

Bibliography

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, January 11). Naloxone DrugFacts. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone

National Institutes of Health. (2024, July 23). NIH Heal Initiative. National Institutes of Health. https://heal.nih.gov/about/opioid-crisis

Rzasa Lynn, R., & Galinkin, J. (2017). Naloxone dosage for opioid reversal: Current evidence and clinical implications. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, 9(1), 63–88. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042098617744161

Utah Office of the Attorney General. (2024, October 7). Utah Opioid Task Force. Utah Attorney General. https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/initiatives/utah-opioid-task-force/