Nick Kerman1, Stéphanie Manoni-Millar2, Luc Cormier3, Tali Cahill3, John Sylvestre4. 1. School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada. Electronic address: nkerm094@uottawa.ca. 2. School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada. 3. Oasis Program, Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, 221 Nelson Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1C7, Canada. 4. Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs are highly vulnerable to social determinants of health (SDOH) inequities, such as homelessness, food insecurity, lack of social support, and poor access to healthcare. Supervised consumption sites (SCSs) have been developed to reduce harms associated with injection drug use but their social impacts remain largely unknown. This study explored service users' experiences with SCSs and how their service use affected their SDOH. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Participants were recruited from an SCS in Ottawa, Canada. Data were collected using in-depth interviews (n = 21). Data analysis involved two cycles of coding that were visibly presented in an analytic matrix. Member checking of the findings was then completed using two focus groups (n = 7). RESULTS: Five themes were identified with regard to how SCSs impacted the SDOH: (1) social connectedness and community, (2) emotional support and stress reduction, (3) safety and security, (4) current shelter statuses and search for housing, and (5) health service access and use. The perceived effects of SCSs in these domains were mostly positive, though the importance of being vigilant and cautious when using the services was also expressed by participants. CONCLUSIONS: SCSs represent a potential downstream intervention to addressing some of the SDOH inequities experienced by people who inject drugs. In particular, the findings indicate that SCSs can be a bridge to rebuilding service users' connections with the healthcare system and an important service in efforts to prevent unsheltered homelessness.
BACKGROUND:People who inject drugs are highly vulnerable to social determinants of health (SDOH) inequities, such as homelessness, food insecurity, lack of social support, and poor access to healthcare. Supervised consumption sites (SCSs) have been developed to reduce harms associated with injection drug use but their social impacts remain largely unknown. This study explored service users' experiences with SCSs and how their service use affected their SDOH. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Participants were recruited from an SCS in Ottawa, Canada. Data were collected using in-depth interviews (n = 21). Data analysis involved two cycles of coding that were visibly presented in an analytic matrix. Member checking of the findings was then completed using two focus groups (n = 7). RESULTS: Five themes were identified with regard to how SCSs impacted the SDOH: (1) social connectedness and community, (2) emotional support and stress reduction, (3) safety and security, (4) current shelter statuses and search for housing, and (5) health service access and use. The perceived effects of SCSs in these domains were mostly positive, though the importance of being vigilant and cautious when using the services was also expressed by participants. CONCLUSIONS: SCSs represent a potential downstream intervention to addressing some of the SDOH inequities experienced by people who inject drugs. In particular, the findings indicate that SCSs can be a bridge to rebuilding service users' connections with the healthcare system and an important service in efforts to prevent unsheltered homelessness.
Authors: Nick Kerman; Ri Wang; Tim Aubry; Jino Distasio; Stephen Gaetz; Stephen W Hwang; Eric Latimer; Bill O'Grady; Kaitlin Schwan; Julian M Somers; Vicky Stergiopoulos; Sean A Kidd Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2022-09-07 Impact factor: 5.801
Authors: Chan Jin; Ndidi Nwangwu-Ike; Zanetta Gant; Shacara Johnson Lyons; Anna Satcher Johnson Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2021-04-21 Impact factor: 3.117
Authors: Tessa Parkes; Tracey Price; Rebecca Foster; Kirsten M A Trayner; Harry R Sumnall; Wulf Livingston; Andy Perkins; Beth Cairns; Josh Dumbrell; James Nicholls Journal: Harm Reduct J Date: 2022-08-29