Journal of opioid management | 2019
Perceptions of opioid misuse and chronic pain: A qualitative assessment of Rhode Island commercial fishing captains.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES\nTo 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.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThe authors conducted in-person, semistructured interviews with 15 full-time fishing captains in Rhode Island between the months of May and July of 2017.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe 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.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nRhode Island commercial fishing captains perceived opioid misuse among crewmembers, work-related chronic pain, and inadequate healthcare access as barriers to sustainability of their industry.