Predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors associated with opioid addiction helping behaviour in tri-state Appalachian counties: application of the PRECEDE–PROCEED model–cross-sectional analysis

ObjectivesThe overdose epidemic was designated a ‘Public Health Emergency’ in the USA on 26 October 2017, bringing attention to the severity of this public health problem. The Appalachian region remains substantially impacted by the effects from years of overprescription of opioids, and subsequently opioid non-medical use and addiction. This study aims to examine the utility of the PRECEDE–PROCEED model constructs (ie, predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors) to explain opioid addiction helping behaviour (ie, helping someone who has an opioid addiction) among members of the public living in tri-state Appalachian counties.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingRural county in the Appalachian region of the USA.ParticipantsA total of 213 participants from a retail mall in a rural Appalachian Kentucky county completed the survey. Most participants were between the ages of 18 and 30 years (n=68; 31.9%) and identified as men (n=139; 65.3%).Primary outcome measureOpioid addiction helping behaviour.ResultsThe regression model was significant (F(6, 180)=26.191, p