Factors Influencing Attitudes Towards Safer Supply Programs for People Who Use Drugs: Findings From an Atlantic Canadian Province

Abstract

Safer supply programs (SSPs) are harm reduction services where people who use drugs can access regulated pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., hydromorphone). Public attitudes, and factors that influence attitudes towards SSPs must be considered as they impact policy and funding decisions. A total of 384 participants were recruited from the community ( n = 160, 41.7%) and an Atlantic Canadian University ( n = 224, 58.3%) to complete an online survey. The majority of the sample was supportive of SSPs ( n = 316, 82.3%). Being of European origin, a younger age, identifying as female, displaying higher levels of Openness to Experience, and reporting less stigma towards people who use drugs were predictive of more positive attitudes towards SSPs. Openness to Experience mediated the relationship between stigma levels and attitudes towards SSPs. The findings of the current study suggest that when developing public awareness campaigns, considering the impact of demographic and psychological factors is important.