Recent fentanyl use among syringe service program clients who use opioids: Implications for overdose prevention

Despite recent advances in harm reduction and overdose prevention initiatives, fentanyl-related harms continue to persist, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to understand emerging patterns of fentanyl use and create more effective harm reduction approaches. Thus, our study aimed to examine the correlates of recent fentanyl use among people who use opioids (PWUO). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 PWUO. Participants self-reported their socio-demographic, sexual, and suicidal behavior, recent opioid use, and addiction treatment information. To determine the association between participants’ characteristics and recent fentanyl use, univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed. Participants’ recent (e.g. past 30 days) fentanyl usage was 77.9%. Participants who were male, homeless in the past 12 months, and opioid-dependent had higher odds of recent fentanyl use. Overall, our study showed an increased prevalence of recent fentanyl use among PWUO. Our findings emphasize the need for PWUO-specific tailored harm-reduction intervention programs.