The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who use drugs in three Canadian cities: a cross-sectional analysis

Original research
par
Mitra, Sanjana et al.

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

The goal of this research was to identify key ways the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of PWUD, particularly the impacts of pandemic-related restrictions on basic, health, and harm reduction needs. 

Constatations/points à retenir

Findings suggest PWUD in Canada experienced difficulties meeting essential needs and accessing some harm reduction services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially difficulty in ability to self isolate, becoming unhoused, overdose risk, food insecurity, and missing OAT doses due to service disruptions/restriction. There were some reports of difficulty accessing supervised consumption sites in all three sites, and drug checking services in Vancouver. These findings can inform preparedness planning for future public health emergencies.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

1,025 participants from Vancouver (n = 640), Toronto (n = 158), and Montreal (n = 227), Canada were surveyed.

Mots clés

Harm reduction
About PWUD
Housing
Barriers and enablers
Equity
Evidence base
Injecting drugs
Overdose
Transitions in care/treatment
SCS/OPS
Poverty