Harm reduction interventions: attitudes, intentions and behaviors

Abstract

Harm reduction practices reduce the harms of opioid use however they are not accepted by the general public. This study sought to improve support towards harm reduction by using statistical (research findings) and anecdotal (personal account) arguments. Participants read different arguments in favor of harm reduction practices and were surveyed on their attitudes for and intentions to support such practices. Participants were then asked whether they would be willing to sign a petition or donate money in support of harm reduction. Between-subjects ANOVAs and Chi-Square tests found no differences between groups in support of harm reduction. Moreover, response latency did not moderate the attitude/intention and behavior relationship. We also found no indirect effect of attitudes or intentions on the relationship between argument group and performing the behaviors. Future research is needed to investigate how to improve intentions to support harm reduction practices and how to motivate individuals to take action.