Identifying and Evaluating the Prevalence of Stigmatizing Language in Opioid Treatment Programs Through Qualitative Analysis
Session Number
3
Advisor(s)
Dr. Kelli Scott, Ani Lessley, Northwestern University
Location
A151
Discipline
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Start Date
15-4-2026 2:15 PM
End Date
15-4-2026 3:00 PM
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is one of the most stigmatized health conditions worldwide. Stigmatizing views and language used by healthcare providers may impact patient experiences and willingness to receive treatment. This study will explore stigmatizing views, as well as the amount and type of stigmatizing language used by opioid treatment program (OTP) staff. This project analyzed qualitative interviews conducted as part of a pilot hybrid-type I effectiveness implementation trial evaluating the use of measurement-based care (MBC) in community OTPs. MBC uses patient-reported outcomes to improve treatment. Interviews were conducted with OTP staff, and transcripts were analyzed for stigmatizing terminology and beliefs using content analysis. 34 interviews with OTP staff were included in this study. Qualitative analysis is ongoing, but emergent themes include infantilizing views of patients and stigmatizing beliefs towards harm reduction. This project will provide insight into the types and amounts of stigmatizing language used by OPT staff. Understanding how stigmatizing language and attitudes exist in the workforce is important for evaluating factors that impact treatment, retention, and engagement. It also identifies opportunities to promote the use of alternative language that may improve patients’ long-term treatment experiences.
Identifying and Evaluating the Prevalence of Stigmatizing Language in Opioid Treatment Programs Through Qualitative Analysis
A151
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is one of the most stigmatized health conditions worldwide. Stigmatizing views and language used by healthcare providers may impact patient experiences and willingness to receive treatment. This study will explore stigmatizing views, as well as the amount and type of stigmatizing language used by opioid treatment program (OTP) staff. This project analyzed qualitative interviews conducted as part of a pilot hybrid-type I effectiveness implementation trial evaluating the use of measurement-based care (MBC) in community OTPs. MBC uses patient-reported outcomes to improve treatment. Interviews were conducted with OTP staff, and transcripts were analyzed for stigmatizing terminology and beliefs using content analysis. 34 interviews with OTP staff were included in this study. Qualitative analysis is ongoing, but emergent themes include infantilizing views of patients and stigmatizing beliefs towards harm reduction. This project will provide insight into the types and amounts of stigmatizing language used by OPT staff. Understanding how stigmatizing language and attitudes exist in the workforce is important for evaluating factors that impact treatment, retention, and engagement. It also identifies opportunities to promote the use of alternative language that may improve patients’ long-term treatment experiences.