Availability of and barriers to the utilization of harm reduction services in Enugu, south-eastern Nigeria: Service providers’ perspective

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the availability and barriers to the utilization of three Harm Reduction Strategies (HRS) in Nigeria from service providers’ perspective. This study was a descriptive survey using questions adapted from the harm reduction questionnaire. Eight institutions involved in the drug treatment services in Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria participated. Only 25% of the agencies did not practice HRS in any form. The commonest internal and external barriers were lack of funding and community resistance, respectively. The heads of the agencies rated themselves and the community unfavorable to accepting HRS generally. However, with regards to specific HRS, they were more favorable to methadone replacement therapy, controlled drinking and condom sharing. The findings of this study enriched our understanding of the various impediments to the utilization of HRS in Enugu, Nigeria.

Keywords: Availability; barriers; utilization; harm reduction; services; service providers, Nigeria