Brown University

Perceptions of Opioid Misuse and Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Assessment of Rhode Island Commercial Fishing Captains

Description

Abstract:
Objectives. To better understand how the contextual circumstances and lifestyle of commercial fishermen influence their access to healthcare and potentially contribute to the use and misuse of opioids. Methods. We conducted in-person, semi-structured interviews with 15 full-time fishing captains in Rhode Island between the months of May and July of 2017. Results. We identified 5 major themes: Recurrent patterns of addiction and opiate use among crewmembers; chronic pain and injury as common constructs of life in the fishing industry; insufficient pain management resources; practical barriers to obtaining primary healthcare; and perceived lack of support from state government. Conclusions. Rhode Island commercial fishing captains perceived opioid misuse among crewmembers, work-related chronic pain, and inadequate healthcare access as barriers to sustainability of their industry.
Notes:
Thesis (Sc. M.)--Brown University, 2020

Access Conditions

Rights
In Copyright
Restrictions on Use
Collection is open for research.

Citation

Brown, Travis, "Perceptions of Opioid Misuse and Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Assessment of Rhode Island Commercial Fishing Captains" (2020). Biology and Medicine Theses and Dissertations. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:1129414/

Relations

Collection: