. 2023 Feb 16;23(1):162.

doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09125-z.

"There's a big tag on my head": exploring barriers to treatment seeking with women who use methamphetamine in Sydney, Australia

Brendan Clifford^{1

2

3

4}, Kate Van Gordon⁵, Fiona Magee⁶, Victoria Malone⁷, Krista J Siefried^{7

8

9}, Duncan Graham⁸, Nadine Ezard^{7

8

10

9}

Affiliations

¹ Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
² National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs of Concern, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
³ Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
⁴ National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
⁵ Victor Medical Centre, Victor Harbor, South Australia, Australia.
⁶ South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁷ Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁸ National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs of Concern, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁹ National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
¹⁰ Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 36793060
PMCID: PMC9933255
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09125-z

"There's a big tag on my head": exploring barriers to treatment seeking with women who use methamphetamine in Sydney, Australia

Brendan Clifford et al. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023.

. 2023 Feb 16;23(1):162.

doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09125-z.

Authors

Brendan Clifford^{1

2

3

4}, Kate Van Gordon⁵, Fiona Magee⁶, Victoria Malone⁷, Krista J Siefried^{7

8

9}, Duncan Graham⁸, Nadine Ezard^{7

8

10

9}

Affiliations

¹ Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
² National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs of Concern, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
³ Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
⁴ National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia. Brendan.clifford@svha.org.au.
⁵ Victor Medical Centre, Victor Harbor, South Australia, Australia.
⁶ South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁷ Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁸ National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs of Concern, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁹ National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
¹⁰ Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 36793060
PMCID: PMC9933255
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09125-z

Abstract

Background: Australia has a high prevalence of regular use of methamphetamine. While half of people who use methamphetamine regularly are women, they make up only one third of people seeking treatment for methamphetamine use disorder. There is a lack of qualitative research into the facilitators and barriers to treatment for women who use methamphetamine regularly. The study seeks a better understanding of the experiences and treatment preferences of women who use methamphetamine, to inform person-centred changes in practice and policy that break down barriers to treatment.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 women who frequently use methamphetamine (at least once a week), and who are not engaged in treatment. Women were recruited from health services surrounding a stimulant treatment centre at an inner-city hospital. Participants were asked about their methapmhetamine use and health service needs and preferences. Thematic analysis was completed using Nvivo® software.

Results: Three themes were developed from participants' responses around experiences of regular methamphetamine use and treatment needs: 1. Resistance of stigmatised identity including dependence; 2. Interpersonal violence; 3. Institutionalised stigma. A fourth set of themes on service delivery preferences were also elicited, including continuity of care, integrated health care, and provision of non-judgmental services.

Conclusion: Gender-inclusive health care services for people who use methamphetamine should actively work to address stigma, support a relational approach to assessment and treatment, and seek to provide structurally competent health care that is trauma and violence informed, and integrated with other services. Findings may also have application for substance use disorders other than methamphetamine.

Keywords: Gender; Health services accessibility; Methamphetamine; Methamphetamine use disorder.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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"There's a big tag on my head": exploring barriers to treatment seeking with women who use methamphetamine in Sydney, Australia

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"There's a big tag on my head": exploring barriers to treatment seeking with women who use methamphetamine in Sydney, Australia

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