OBJECTIVES: The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) tracks the distribution of all harm reduction products subsidized by the BC government, including needles and syringes, sterile water vials, alcohol swabs, condoms, and lubricant. This study measures the distribution of harm reduction products in BC, identifies regional variation in distribution, and estimates the supply/demand ratio for needle and syringe units. METHODS: Using three years of administrative data (2004–2006) from the BCCDC, the quantity of harm reduction products distributed was calculated by Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA). Regional hepatitis C virus (HCV) case report rates were calculated to reflect potential variation in IDU populations at the HSDA-level and the number of needle and syringe units distributed per reported case of HCV was calculated and ranked by HSDA. To compare the demand for sterile injecting equipment to the distribution, the number of illicit drug injections per year was approximated using established estimates of IDU populations in BC and Vancouver. RESULTS: Marked regional variation exists in the rates of harm reduction product distribution per 100,000 residents aged 15–64. The average number of needle and syringe units distributed annually in BC from 2004–2006 was 5,382,933. The estimated number of injections per year in BC is 24,951,144, suggesting the province distributed 21.5% of the units required to cover all illicit drug injections in the province. DISCUSSION: Harm reduction product distribution is not equitable between BC HSDAs. The current level of distribution of sterile injecting equipment is inadequate to provide a clean needle for every injection.
Background: Over the past several decades, there have been numerous peer-reviewed articles written about people who use drugs (PWUDs) from the Downtown Eastside neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada. While individual researchers have engaged and acknowledged this population as participants and community partners in their work, there has been comparatively little attention given to the role of PWUDs and drug user organizations in directing, influencing, and shaping research agendas. Methods: In this community-driven research, we examine 20 years of peer-reviewed studies, university theses, books, and reports that have been directed, influenced, and shaped by members of the activist organization the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU). In this paper, we have summarized VANDU's work based on different themes from each article. Results: After applying the inclusion criteria to over 400 articles, 59 items containing peer-reviewed studies, books, and reports were included and three themes of topics researched or discussed were identified. Theme 1: 'health needs' of marginalized groups was found in 39% of articles, Theme 2: 'evaluation of projects' related to harm reduction in 19%, and Theme 3: 'activism' related work in 42%. Ninety-four percent of co-authors were from British Columbia and 44% of research was qualitative. Works that have been co-authored by VANDU's members or acknowledged their participations created 628 citations. Moreover, their work has been accessed more than 149,600 times. Conclusions: Peer-based, democratic harm reduction organizations are important partners in facilitating groundbreaking health and social research, and through research can advocate for the improved health and wellbeing of PWUDs and other marginalized groups in their community. This article also recommends that PWUDs should be more respectfully engaged and given appropriate credit for their contributions. ; Medicine, Faculty of ; Other UBC ; Non UBC ; Population and Public Health (SPPH), School of ; Reviewed ; Faculty
Background: Global cases of overdose-related deaths attributed to synthetic opioids are reaching epidemic proportion in many jurisdictions. While the main focus of health agencies and the different levels of government has been to combat the cases linked to injection drug use, the deaths attributed to smoking illegal drugs have not gained the same attention. Moreover, little attention has been given to the role of people with past or current experiences of illegal drug use and how their social networks can mitigate the risk of a highly stigmatized behavior such as smoking illegal drugs. Methods: The study concerns the first social network research conducted via a community-based participatory action methodology in two distinct urban (Vancouver) and rural (Abbotsford) centers in British Columbia, Canada. The study will identify the influence of social networks on people who smoke illegal drugs (PWSID) and their adherence to interventions aimed at reducing harm. Through community consultations, members of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users and the British Columbia/Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors not only assisted with the design of this research project but also assisted with the data collection, management, protection and entry of demographic, and network information. Discussion: Many traditional qualitative and quantitative methods have not effectively engaged people who use drugs as researchers or collaborators due to stigma related to illegal drug use. The aim of this study is to recognize that everyone within the network of PWSID is a few steps away from harm. Therefore, we aim to reduce the harm associated with smoking of illegal drugs, especially for PWSID that are at the highest risk. At the same time, we hope that the social network research via a participatory community-based approach will mobilize PWSID in the process and offer a different method of knowledge construction from the traditional positivist approaches. ; Medicine, Faculty of ; Other UBC ; Non UBC ; Population and Public Health (SPPH), School of ; Reviewed ; Faculty ; Postdoctoral ; Other
In response to an epidemic of opioid overdose deaths attributed to prescription and illicit opioid use, distribution of the opioid antagonist naloxone has been identified in Canada and abroad as a key emergency measure to effectively prevent rising mortality (1,2). The current environmental scan was produced in order to better understand current practices and programs aimed to distribute naloxone for use in suspected opioid overdose, to assess uptake of these programs across Canadian provinces and territories (P/Ts), and to understand barriers related to knowledge and evidence in the use of naloxone, as well as operational obstacles to achieving widespread population coverage. Publicly funded take-home naloxone (THN) programs have been rolled out across every province and territory in Canada in response to the current opioid crisis. All publicly funded THN programs offer naloxone free of charge to those at risk of opioid overdose, while the majority of these programs also target any person who self-identifies as being at risk of witnessing an opioid overdose (including friends or family of people who use drugs). All provinces offer kits with the injectable formulation of naloxone as part of their publicly-funded program, while three P/Ts (Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories) also offer the nasal naloxone spray. Nasal naloxone spray is also available to clients of Veterans Affairs Canada, and through the NonInsured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program (benefits for First Nations individuals who present a valid status card and personal health number to confirm their eligibility). In most P/Ts, naloxone is made available through a number of different sites and organisations, including community pharmacies, shelters, medical centres, and treatment service centres, although some jurisdictions are limited in their ability to distribute naloxone due to geographical considerations and regulations related to provincial drug scheduling. While population access to naloxone has improved substantially across the country, there remain some jurisdiction-specific operational, geographic, knowledge/evidence, and policy barriers to access. Importantly, there are several unanswered questions regarding the safety and effectiveness of different naloxone routes of administration, dosing, and the extent of training needed to effectively respond to an overdose and administer naloxone. Evidence regarding the benefit of distributing naloxone broadly (as opposed to only specific at-risk populations) is needed. There are also ethical considerations including how to collect robust health data while protecting low-barrier access environments and respecting patient anonymity, and whether it is appropriate to provide naloxone kits to minors. Additional considerations include identifying the most effective overdose response strategy more generally (outlining actions to take beyond administering naloxone, such as chest compressions, rescue breaths, calling 911, etc., and the order to take them in), as well as in the development of program evaluation practices and performance indicators. Consolidating existing evidence, suggesting areas for future research, and building consensus among stakeholders may help improve naloxone access and ensure equitable outcomes in Canada. Finally, there is continued recognition of the complex social, political, and legal solutions needed to address the state of the opioid crisis in Canada, as well as for the need to address continued stigma around drug use, integrate harm reduction practices, and support a holistic model of care in order to best confront the upstream factors leading to overdose, addiction, and substance use. ; Medicine, Faculty of ; Non UBC ; Population and Public Health (SPPH), School of ; Unreviewed ; Faculty ; Researcher
Purpose – This participatory health research project of researchers and women prisoners examined housing and homelessness as perceived by incarcerated women to understand this public health concern and help guide policy. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach – A participatory research team designed and conducted a survey of 83 incarcerated women in BC, Canada. Using descriptive statistics, the authors examined socio-demographic factors related to social support networks and family housing and women's housing preference upon release.
Findings – In total, 44 percent of participants reported no family home upon release while 31 percent reported lost family ties due to their incarceration. Most vulnerable subpopulations were women aged 25-34, aboriginal women and those with multiple incarcerations. Housing preferences differed between participants suggesting needs for varied options. Further implementation, evaluation and appraisal of social programs are required.
Research limitations/implications – This study surveyed one correctional facility: future research could utilize multiple centers.
Practical implications – Addressing housing instability among released incarcerated individuals is important fiscally and from a public health lens. Improved discharge planning and housing stability is needed through policy changes and social programs. A social support network, "Women in2 Healing," has developed from the research group to address these issues.
Social implications – Housing stability and recidivism are closely linked: providing stable housing options will lessen the social, fiscal and medical burden of individuals returning to crime, substance abuse, illness and poverty.
Originality/value – Housing instability addresses an important social determinant of health and focussing on incarcerated women builds upon a small body of literature.
INTRODUCTION: Bystanders to drug overdoses often avoid or delay calling 9–1-1 and cite fear of police involvement as a main reason. In 2017, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) was enacted by the Canadian government to provide people present at an overdose with legal protection from charges for simple drug possession, and conditions stemming from simple possession. Few studies have taken a multi-methods approach to evaluating the GSDOA. We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to explore awareness, understanding, and perceptions of the GSDOA in people at risk of witnessing an overdose. METHODS: Quantitative cross-sectional surveys and qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with adults and youth at risk of witnessing an overdose across British Columbia. Cross-sectional survey participants were recruited at 19 Take Home Naloxone sites and online through Foundry. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed hierarchically to determine factors associated with GSDOA awareness. Telephone interview participants were recruited by research assistants with lived/living experience of substance use. Deductive and inductive thematic analyses were conducted to identify major themes. RESULTS: Overall, 52.7% (n = 296) of the quantitative study sample (N = 453) reported being aware of the GSDOA. In multivariable analysis, cellphone possession (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 3.54) and having recently witnessed an opioid overdose (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI 1.45, 3.80) were positively associated with GSDOA awareness. Young adults (25 – 34 years) were more likely to be aware of the Act (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.11, 3.98) compared to youth (16–24 years). Qualitative interviews (N = 42) revealed that many overestimated the protections offered by the GSDOA. To increase awareness and knowledge of the Act among youth, participants recommended adding the GSDOA to school curricula and using social media. Word of mouth was suggested to reach adults. CONCLUSION: Both ...
IntroductionMost chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in Canada are diagnosed among immigrants from endemic countries and lack traditional risk factors while most acute infections are usually diagnosed in Caucasian population with co-occurring risk factors. Thus, understanding geographical distribution of HBV infection by ethnicity could inform screening and care strategies.
Objectives and ApproachWe identified geographic clusters of HBV infection in British Columbia by ethnicity during the years 1990-2015 using the BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC). The BC-HTC includes ~1.7 million individuals tested for HCV or HIV at the BC Public Health Laboratory or reported as a case of HCV, HIV, or HBV linked to healthcare administrative databases. We plotted maps of HBV diagnoses (acute and chronic) rate at the Dissemination Area level between 1990-2015 stratified by ethnicity and compared this distribution with injection drug use (IDU) distribution in BC.
ResultsThe distribution of HBV varied considerably by ethnicity. From 1990 to 2015, a higher rate of HBV infection was found among East Asians and Caucasians followed by South Asians and other ethnicities. East Asians with highest rates were mainly concentrated in Vancouver city, Burnaby and Richmond (Metro Vancouver) while South Asians with highest rates were mostly concentrated in urban areas in Surrey and Abbotsford. Caucasians with higher rates were clustered in Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, Surrey and Abbotsford (Metro Vancouver) and urban areas in Greater Victoria (Vancouver Island), Prince George (Northern BC) and Kamloops (Interior BC). The distribution of IDU closely followed the distribution of HBV among Caucasians but did not align with other ethnic groups.
Conclusion/ImplicationsResults highlight distinct areas of HBV infection clustering by ethnicity, which differ from areas with high IDU distribution except in Caucasians. Findings support ethnicity-based HBV screening/prevention and care services to areas with immigrants from HBV-endemic countries and integrated HBV and harm reduction services for early diagnosis and treatment in Caucasians.
