Citation

Brown T, George P. J. Opioid. Manag. 2019; 15(2): 129-135.

Affiliation

Office of Medical Education, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Weston Medical Publishing)

DOI

10.5055/jom.2019.0494

PMID

31343714

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: The authors conducted in-person, semistructured interviews with 15 full-time fishing captains in Rhode Island between the months of May and July of 2017.

RESULTS: The authors identified five 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.

Language: en