enCompass: evaluation of a community-based substance use disorder stigma intervention.

INTRODUCTION

Stigma within communities is pervasive and a barrier to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The current proof-of-concept study evaluated enCompass, a community-based SUD knowledge and stigma intervention.

METHODS

In 2021, 22 enCompass trainings were offered to community members in partnership with the Ohio Governor's RecoveryOhio initiative to 22 Ohio counties with high numbers of overdose deaths. Participants of the current study included 492 individuals who completed surveys measuring knowledge of SUD treatment and medication, and SUD stigma (i.e., stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination), before and after the intervention. Implementation-related outcomes (i.e., acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility) were also measured after the intervention.

RESULTS

Participants' knowledge increased, and their SUD stigma decreased, from before to after the intervention. Participants strongly agreed that the intervention was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible.

DISCUSSION: Although more testing with longitudinal, randomized designs is needed, preliminary results suggest that enCompass is a promising community-based SUD knowledge and stigma intervention.