Perceptions of Practice and Professional Identity Among Substance Use Prevention Professionals in Ohio: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Abstract
Introduction: Ohio experiences higher than average rates of deaths by drug overdose among US states. Relatedly, the projected need for substance use prevention professionals in the United States surpasses the average growth across all occupations, driven by a combination of increases in substance use disorders and attrition. This research explored perceptions of prevention practice to develop recommendations for increasing the labor force in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, 15 prevention professionals, with an average of 11.5 years of experience, participated in 1 of 3 virtual focus groups. Text transcripts were generated by video conferencing software and corrected by researchers. Qualitative open coding was facilitated using Quirkos software; first cycle codes were collapsed into broad themes which described participants’ perceptions regarding their practice, influential beliefs, and contextual factors.
Results: Key results included participants’ own view of their practice as holistic and focused on factors that encourage substance use as a coping mechanism rather than the behavior of substance use. While professionals were amenable to multiple types of collaborations, some described a strained relationship with substance use treatment professionals.
Conclusion: The holistic approach that participants described as foundational to their profession may appeal to a broad range of individuals. One strategy which aligns this finding with the described purpose of this research is development of pathways to prevention credentialing that are easier to navigate for those currently employed in alternative helping professions to address profession growth needs by encouraging individuals from diverse professions to additionally acquire prevention certification.
Keywords: Substance use prevention, Qualitative research, Professional identity, Focus groups
How to Cite:
Chatfield, S. L., Anderson, M., King, J. & Coetzer-Liversage, A., (2026) “Perceptions of Practice and Professional Identity Among Substance Use Prevention Professionals in Ohio: A Descriptive Qualitative Study”, Ohio Journal of Public Health 8(1), 1-8. doi: https://doi.org/10.18061/ojph.6401
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