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An Initial Evaluation of Web-Based Overdose Education
Abstract
This study explored the feasibility of a web-based overdose education website, <italic>www.stopoverdose.org</italic>. The results of 422 voluntary and anonymous surveys submitted on the website were analyzed for participant demographics, knowledge of opioid overdose recognition and response, knowledge of the Washington State Good Samaritan Overdose Law, and differences in characteristics, knowledge, and planned behavior between respondents with professional versus personal interest in overdose education. Survey results indicated that most respondents were 35 or older, female, and residents of Washington State. The mean score on the general knowledge quiz about overdose recognition and response was 16.20 out of 18 possible points, and 1.48 out of 2 possible points for items concerning the Good Samaritan Law. Significant differences were found in the age distribution, history of overdose education, planned behaviors, and personal experience with opioid overdose between respondents indicating professional versus personal interest in the topic of overdose. Respondents indicating professional interest were more likely to be 35 or older and to have received prior overdose education and less likely to know someone at risk for opioid overdose and to report planning to obtain take-home naloxone. No significant differences were found in knowledge scores between groups. These findings suggest that among Washington residents, there is a demand for naloxone, particularly among respondents who indicated that they knew someone at risk for opioid overdose. Furthermore, respondents had a relatively poor understanding of the Good Samaritan Overdose Law, suggesting that the training may not have effectively conveyed this information. These results indicate that there is a public interest in overdose education and suggest that online education may be a feasible approach to implementing basic overdose education to a broad audience.
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