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Table 3 COVID-19 survey responses (n = 50)

From: Structural and community changes during COVID-19 and their effects on overdose precursors among rural people who use drugs: a mixed-methods analysis

COVID responses

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Don’t know

n

%

  

n

%

  

Technology Use

        

 I have had reliable access to cell phone service over the past month

43

86.0

1

2.0

6

12.0

0

0.0

 I have had reliable access to the internet over the past month

38

76.0

2

4.0

10

20.0

0

0.0

 I have technology that I can use to video chat with others

45

90.0

0

0.0

4

8.0

1

2.0

 I can reliably receive mail and deliveries at the place I am living/staying

47

94.0

0

0.0

2

4.0

1

2.0

Accessibility of basic resources

        

 I'm confident I have a stable place to stay during this time

37

74.0

4

8.0

8

16.0

1

2.0

 Most people who use drugs have somewhere they can shelter in place during this time

17

34.0

3

6.0

28

56.0

2

4.0

 I'm confident I can maintain a stable income/stream of money during this time

19

38.0

3

6.0

28

56.0

0

0.0

 I'm confident I can get enough food for myself during this time

40

80.0

2

4.0

8

16.0

0

 

 I'm confident I can get enough food for my family or other loved ones who I care for or am responsible for during this time

36

72.0

2

4.0

10

20.0

2

4.0

 I'm confident I can get necessities such as: electricity, gas, batteries during this time

37

74.0

3

6.0

9

18.0

1

2.0

Accessibility of health supports

        

 I'm confident I can access medical care, not including COVID-19 related care, during this time

46

92.0

2

4.0

2

4.0

0

0.0

 I'm confident I can still get needed medications (e.g., diabetes; anxiety), not including COVID-19 medications, during this time

35

70.0

3

6.0

10

20.0

2

4.0

 I'm confident I can access drug use treatment during this time

38

76.0

4

8.0

7

14.0

1

2.0

 I'm confident I can access my local SSP and their services/resources during this time

48

96.0

0

0.0

1

2.0

1

2.0

 I'm confident I can obtain naloxone/Narcan during this time

45

90.0

1

2.0

3

6.0

1

2.0

 I'm confident I can obtain sterile syringes and injection equipment during this time

48

96.0

0

0.0

1

2.0

1

2.0

Healthcare and stigma

        

 If someone who uses drugs tests positive for COVID-19, they will be treated unfairly or not given the same amount of attention by medical professionals as other COVID-19 patients

23

46.0

3

6.0

20

40.0

4

8.0

 Even if I had COVID-19 symptoms, I would be reluctant to seek healthcare because of previous negative experiences with the medical system

16

32.0

0

0.0

34

68.0

0

0.0

 If I end up in the hospital for withdrawal or overdose, I am confident that I will be treated appropriately

22

44.0

7

14.0

19

38.0

2

4.0

Drug use

        

 The process of getting drugs has been more difficult during this time

33

66.0

2

4.0

14

28.0

1

2.0

 I worry I might go into withdrawal in the near future

22

44.0

2

4.0

25

50.0

1

2.0

 Most people who use drugs have somewhere they can shelter in place during this time

17

34.0

3

6.0

28

56.0

2

4.0

 When I get drugs, I have not been able to follow social distancing recommendations (e.g. staying six feet or more away from others, avoiding crowded places)

24

48.0

3

6.0

22

44.0

1

2.0

 The types of drugs I use has changed during this time due to availability

25

50.0

2

4.0

22

44.0

1

2.0

 Because of less than normal supply, I feel pressure to share drugs, supplies, and equipment

15

30.0

2

4.0

32

64.0

1

2.0

 I am more likely to use drugs alone during this time than I was before

25

50.0

3

6.0

21

42.0

1

2.0

 I worry that I will end up with a bad batch of drugs that is dangerous in the near future

28

56.0

10

20.0

11

22.0

1

2.0

Mental health

        

 I feel more depressed, unmotivated, or defeated during this time than I normally do

27

54.0

2

4.0

21

42.0

0

0.0

 I feel lonelier during this time than I normally do

20

40.0

4

8.0

26

52.0

0

0.0

 I feel more anxious or on edge during this time than I normally do

38

76.0

2

4.0

10

20.0

0

0.0