Reducing stigma to increase buprenorphine prescribing in rural Ohio
Official title: Developing a Tailored Stigma Reduction Intervention to Increase Buprenorphine Prescribing among Rural Primary Care Providers in Ohio
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-10864046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help doctors and nurses in rural Ohio better understand and treat opioid use disorder by training them on how to use a helpful medication called buprenorphine, so they can feel more comfortable helping patients who need support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $228,270 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA057160-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural Ohio who are struggling with opioid use disorder and may benefit from buprenorphine treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those living outside of rural Ohio may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder (OUD) among healthcare providers in rural Ohio, particularly in Appalachia. It aims to develop a tailored intervention that trains primary care providers, such as physicians and nurse practitioners, to better understand and prescribe buprenorphine, a medication that can help treat OUD and reduce HIV transmission. By modifying negative attitudes and increasing awareness, the project seeks to enhance the willingness of healthcare professionals to treat patients with OUD. The intervention will be designed to be practical and effective for implementation in rural healthcare settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased access to buprenorphine treatment for patients with opioid use disorder, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates in rural communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous interventions aimed at reducing stigma among healthcare professionals have shown success, although this specific approach tailored for buprenorphine in rural settings is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franz, Berkeley — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Franz, Berkeley
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.