Episode Details

Episode 132: Harm Reduction and Reproductive Health

Meghana explains how to implement harm reduction strategies in at-risk populations such as unhoused patients and injected drug users. Dr. Arreaza adds comments about PrEP for HIV and Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)  

Written by Meghana Munnangi, MPH, third-year osteopathic medical student, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences. Comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.

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Arreaza: It can be frustrating for physicians trying to change “risky” behaviors in their patients and turn those behaviors into “healthy” behaviors. Doctors deal with this issue every day, but after reading more about the principle of harm reduction, I’m feeling more prepared to help our patients reduce their risks.

What is harm reduction?

Meghana: Harm reduction is a set of evidence-based interventions that arose within the public health community to reduce the harms associated with risky health behaviors. Most commonly, harm reduction refers to the policies and programs that aim to minimize the negative impacts associated with substance use disorder. The goal is to “meet people where they are” and to provide compassionate, judgment-free interventions and resources to at-risk populations.

Examples of people who are part of the “at-risk population.”

Some examples are injection-drug users and sex workers. With America experiencing the largest substance use and overdose epidemic we have ever faced, it is exceedingly important we provide services such as clean needle exchange, overdose reversal training, safer sex kits, and more to prevent unnecessary injury, disease, and death. 

Arreaza: In some countries where prostitution is legal, women are required to have regular check-ups to continue work. I see that as a harm-reduction strategy. I disagree with having sexual workers, but if we are unable to eliminate them, then harm reduction may be the way to go. 

Why is harm reduction important in medicine?

Meghana: Healthcare providers have a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life and limit the negative outcomes associated with risky health behaviors by incorporating harm reduction strategies into their practice. Harm reduction interventions not only decrease health risks in an individual but also in the community. 

Examples of harm reduction strategies. 

Meghana: Studies have shown that areas that have introduced clean needle exchange interventions have lower HIV seroprevalence compared to areas that do not have similar interventions [1]. It is critical  as health care providers to respect our patient’s choices and provide supportive care that will not deter patients from accessing care in the future. Patients who engage in risky activities often face stigma and are treated poorly by the medical system making behavioral changes even more difficult [2]. Understanding that many patients may not be willing to change their behaviors and using a practical approach to medical counseling can strengthen physician-patient relationships. 

Arreaza: I can think of another example. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in patients who have multiple sex partners. You wish those patients would have more insight into the risks associated with having multiple sexual partners, but if you cannot change them, you can still reduce the risk.

What is harm reduction in the context of the reprodu