scholarly journals Combining chain link sampling with a community-based participatory action study of people who smoke drugs in two cities in British Columbia, Canada

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulaf Elhalifa ◽  
Ehsan Jozaghi ◽  
Samona Marsh ◽  
Erica Thomson ◽  
Delilah Gregg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Multiple Infections ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Chain Link ◽  
Downtown Eastside ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: The smoking of illicit drugs presents a serious social and economic burden in Canada. People who smoke drugs (PWSD) are at an increased risk of contracting multiple infections through risky drug practices. Peer-led harm reduction activities, and the resulting social networks that form around them, can potentially minimize the dangers associated with the smoking illicit drugs.Goal: The goal of this study is to examine the influence of peer-led harm reduction initiatives on drug behaviour by comparing the attributes and social networks of PWSD in two British Columbia cities with different harm reduction programs.Methods: Using community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) and respondent- driven sampling (RDS), individuals with lived drug experiences were employed from communities in Abbotsford and Vancouver as ‘peer researchers’ to interview ten contacts from their social networks. Contacts completed a questionnaire about their harm reduction networks.Results: We found that PWSD residing in Abbotsford were more likely to report engaging in harm-promoting behaviours, such as sharing, reusing, or borrowing crack pipes. However, PWSD in the Downtown Eastside Community (DTES) of Vancouver were more likely to report engaging in harm-reducing activities, such as being trained in naloxone use and CPR. These differences are likely linked to the greater availability of harm reduction programs in DTES compared to Abbotsford.

scholarly journals Combining respondent-driven sampling with a community-based participatory action study of people who smoke drugs in two cities in British Columbia, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulaf Elkhalifa ◽  
Ehsan Jozaghi ◽  
Samona Marsh ◽  
Erica Thomson ◽  
Delilah Gregg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Participatory Action Research ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Respondent Driven Sampling ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Peer Researchers

Abstract Background The smoking of illicit drugs presents a serious social and economic burden in Canada. People who smoke drugs (PWSD) are at increased risk of contracting multiple infections through risky drug practices. Peer-led harm reduction activities, and the resulting social networks that form around them, can potentially minimize the dangers associated with the smoking illicit drugs. Goal The goals of this study were to pilot test the combined approaches of respondent driven sampling with community based participatory action research in these settings and compare the attributes and social networks of PWSD in two British Columbia cities with different harm reduction programs. Methods Using community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) and respondent-driven sampling (RDS), individuals with lived drug experiences were employed from communities in Abbotsford and Vancouver as peer researchers to interview ten contacts from their social networks. Contacts completed a questionnaire about their harm reduction behaviours and interactions. Results We found that PWSD residing in Abbotsford were more likely to report engaging in harm-promoting behaviours, such as sharing, reusing, or borrowing crack pipes. However, PWSD in the Downtown East side Community of Vancouver were more likely to report engaging in harm-reducing activities, such as being trained in naloxone use and CPR. We found no differences in network sizes between the two communities, despite the population differences and harm reduction programs Conclusion The high participation rates and interactions between researchers, and peer researchers enriched the study implementation and successfully informed our results. The fact that there were no differences in network size suggests that people have similar support in Vancouver as in Abbotsford, and that drug use practices differ mainly due to availability of harm reduction programming and resources.

scholarly journals Building New Approaches to Risk Reduction With Social Networks and People Who Smoke Illegal Drugs From Participatory Community-Based Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 160940691877124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Jozaghi ◽  
Jane A. Buxton ◽  
Erica Thomson ◽  
Samona Marsh ◽  
Delilah Gregg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
Illegal Drugs ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Illegal Drug Use ◽  
Network Research

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.

scholarly journals Social support and harm reduction activities in a peer led pilot study with respondent driven sampling and community based participatory action research

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulaf Elkhalifa ◽  
Ehsan Jozaghi ◽  
Samona Marsh ◽  
Erica Thomson ◽  
Delilah Gregg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
The Social ◽  
Tangible Support ◽  
Reduce Risk ◽  
Future Work

Abstract Background: People who smoke drugs (PWSD) are at high risk of both infectious disease and overdose. Harm reduction activities organised by their peers in the community can reduce risk by providing education; safer smoking supplies, and facilitate access to other services. Peers also provide a network of people who provide social support to PWSD which may reinforce harm reducing behaviours. We evaluated the numbers of supportive network members and the relationships between received support and participants’ harm reducing activities.Methods: Initial participant-researchers with past or current lived drug use experience were employed from communities in Abbotsford and Vancouver to interview ten friends from their social networks who use illegal drugs mainly through smoking. Contacts completed a questionnaire about people in their own harm reduction networks, and their relationships with each other. We categorised social support into informational, emotional and tangible aspects, and harm reduction into being trained in the use of, or carrying naloxone; assisting peers with overdoses, using brass screens to smoke, obtaining pipes from service organisations and being trained in CPR.Results: Fifteen initial participant-researchers interviewed 149 participants who provided information on up to 10 people who were friends or contacts and the relationships between them. People who smoked drugs in public were 1.46 (95% CI;1.13-1.78) more likely to assist peers with possible overdoses if they received tangible support; women who received tangible support were 1.24(95% CI;1.02-1.45) more likely to carry, and be trained in the use of naloxone. There was no relationship between number of supportive network members and harm reduction behaviours.Conclusions: In this pilot study, PWSD who received tangible support were more likely to assist peers in possible overdoses and be trained in the use of and/or carry naloxone, than those who did not receive tangible support. Future work on the social relationships of PWSD may prove valuable in the search for credible and effective interventions.

Amxsame’ su sa ‘Nawalakw (the supernatural spirit wraps around us): impacts of Kwakwaka’wakw regalia making on identity, wellness and belonging in ‘Yalis, British Columbia

2021 ◽  
pp. 117718012110584
Author(s):  
Helen Brown ◽  
Trevor Isaac ◽  
Kelsey Timler ◽  
Elder Vera Newman ◽  
Andrea Cranmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Participatory Action Research ◽  
Cultural Continuity ◽  
Northwest Coast ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Wholistic Health

In this article, we share findings from a community-based Participatory Action Research project, titled Sanala, which means to be whole in Kwak’wala—the language of the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwak̓wala-speaking people; a First Nation from what is now called Canada). In response to community priorities, the Sanala team initiated regalia as a weekly programme where people from the ‘Namgis tribe and other surrounding Kwakwaka’wakw Nations on the northwest coast of British Columbia, Canada, come together to create regalia. Participants learn about family crests, design and sew button blankets and dance aprons, and learn oral histories belonging to individuals and families, all within the context of Kwak’wala language revitalization and regalia making. We outline the impacts of this programme on identity, belonging, wholistic health and collective wellbeing, as well as implications for Participatory Action Research and community-led research aimed at strengthening individual and collective health and wellness through Indigenous languages and cultural continuity.

scholarly journals Examining prevalence and correlates of smoking opioids in British Columbia: opioids are more often smoked than injected

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Parent ◽  
Kristi Papamihali ◽  
Brittany Graham ◽  
Jane A. Buxton
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Monitoring Tool ◽  
Overdose Death ◽  
The Past ◽  
Leading Mode

Abstract Background British Columbia (BC) is in the midst of an opioid overdose crisis. Since 2017, smoking illicit drugs has been the leading mode of drug administration causing overdose death. Yet, little is known about people who smoke opioids, and factors underlying choice of mode of administration. The study objectives are to identify the prevalence and correlates associated with smoking opioids. Methods The Harm Reduction Client Survey is a monitoring tool used by the BC Centre for Disease Control since 2012. This survey is disseminated to harm reduction sites across BC to understand drug use trends and drug-related harms. We examined data from the survey administered October–December 2019 and performed descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses to better understand factors associated with smoking opioids. Results A total of 369 people who used opioids in the past 3 days were included, of whom 251 (68.0%) reported smoking opioids. A total of 109 (29.5%) respondents experienced an overdose in the past 6 months; of these 79 (72.5%) smoked opioids. Factors significantly associated with smoking opioids were: living in a small community (AOR =2.41, CI =1.27–4.58), being a woman (AOR = 1.84, CI = 1.03–3.30), age under 30 (AOR = 5.41, CI = 2.19–13.40) or 30–39 (AOR = 2.77, CI = 1.33–5.78) compared to age ≥ 50, using drugs alone (AOR = 2.98, CI = 1.30–6.83), and owning a take-home naloxone kit (AOR = 2.01, CI = 1.08–3.72). Reported use of methamphetamines within the past 3 days was strongly associated with smoking opioids (AOR = 6.48, CI = 3.51–11.96). Conclusions Our findings highlight important correlates associated with smoking opioids, particularly the recent use of methamphetamines. These findings identify actions to better respond to the overdose crisis, such as targeted harm reduction approaches, educating on safer smoking, advocating for consumption sites where people can smoke drugs, and providing a regulated supply of opioids that can be smoked.

scholarly journals Community Stories and Growth Through Research-Based Theatre

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-126
Author(s):  
Christopher Cook ◽  
George Belliveau
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Creation Process ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Downtown Eastside ◽  
Collective Creation ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Community members and staff at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Learning Exchange collectively created a theatre piece, based on stories from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), entitled Voices UP! This article examines the impact this project had on four DTES community members who took part in the collective creation process. The results are presented as both a thematic analysis and a short play script, entitled Give Me Your Hands. Give Me Your Hands is a play about making a play, illustrating the shared and individual learning experiences of those who took part in a community-based collaborative theatre process.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular disease risk factors of ultra-Orthodox Jewish women in Israel: a comparison study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Leiter ◽  
K L Greenberg ◽  
M Donchin ◽  
O Keidar ◽  
S Siemiatycki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
General Population ◽  
Secondhand Smoke ◽  
Smoke Exposure ◽  
Orthodox Jewish ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Secondhand Smoke Exposure ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Women from low socio-economic, culturally insular populations are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The ultra-Orthodox Jewish (UOJ) community in Israel is a difficult to access, rapidly growing low socio-economic, insular minority with numerous obstacles to health. The current study investigates CVD-related risk factors (RF) in a sample of OUJ women, comparing sample characteristics with the general population. Addressing the questions, 'Are UOJ women at increased risk for CVD?', 'Which RFs should be addressed beyond the general population's?', this study can inform public health initiatives (PHI) for this and similar populations. Methods Self-administered questionnaires completed by a cluster randomized sample of 239 women from a UOJ community included demographics, fruit, vegetables, and sweetened drink consumption, secondhand smoke exposure, physical activity (PA) engagement, and BMI. Population statistics utilized for comparison of demographic and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained from government-sponsored national surveys. Results Compared with the general population, UOJ women were less likely to consume 5 fruits and vegetables a day (12.7% vs. 24.3%, p<.001) and more likely to consume > 5 cups of sweetened beverages a day (18.6% vs. 12.6%, p=.019). UOJ women also reported less secondhand smoke exposure (7.2% vs. 51.4%, p<.001) and higher rates of PA recommendation adherence (60.1% vs. 25.6%, p<.0001) than the general population. Obesity was higher in UOJ women (24.3% vs. 16.1%, p<.0001). Conclusions This study suggests that PHIs in this population target healthy weight maintenance, nutrition, and PA. As a consequence of this study, the first CVD prevention intervention has been implemented in this population, targeting the identified RFs. Utilizing a mixed methods and community-based participatory approach, this innovative 3-year intervention reached over 2,000 individuals. Key messages This study identified nutrition risk behaviors and high levels of obesity in a difficult to access, minority population. This study informed the planning and implementation of a community-based PHI.

scholarly journals Hoots and harm reduction: a qualitative study identifying gaps in overdose prevention among women who smoke drugs

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff Bardwell ◽  
Tamar Austin ◽  
Lisa Maher ◽  
Jade Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Structural Violence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Overdose Prevention ◽  
Polysubstance Use ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Negative Health Outcomes ◽  
Mixed Gender

Abstract Background Smoking or inhaling illicit drugs can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes, including overdose. However, most overdose prevention interventions, such as supervised consumption services (SCS), prohibit inhalation. In addition, women are underrepresented at SCS and are disproportionately impacted by socio-structural violence. This study examines women’s experiences smoking illicit drugs during an overdose epidemic, including their utilization of a women-only supervised inhalation site. Methods Qualitative research methods included on-site ethnographic observation and semi-structured interviews with 32 participants purposively recruited from the women-only site. Data were coded and analyzed using NVivo 12 and thematic analysis was informed by gendered and socio-structural understandings of violence. Results Participants had preferences for smoking drugs and these were shaped by their limited income, inability to inject, and perceptions of overdose risk. Participants expressed the need for services that attend to women’s specific experiences of gendered, race-based, and structural violence faced within and outside mixed-gender social service settings. Results indicate a need for sanctioned spaces that recognize polysubstance use and drug smoking, accommodated by the women-only SCS. The smoking environment further fostered a sociability where participants could engage in perceived harm reduction through sharing drugs with other women/those in need and were able to respond in the event of an overdose. Conclusions Findings demonstrate the ways in which gendered social and structural environments shape women’s daily experiences using drugs and the need for culturally appropriate interventions that recognize diverse modes of consumption while attending to overdose and violence. Women-only smoking spaces can provide temporary reprieve from some socio-structural harms and build collective capacity to practice harm reduction strategies, including overdose prevention. Women-specific SCS with attention to polysubstance use are needed as well as continued efforts to address the socio-structural harms experienced by women who smoke illicit drugs.

scholarly journals Social networks, health and identity: exploring culturally embedded masculinity with the Pakistani community, West Midlands, UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farina Kokab ◽  
Sheila Greenfield ◽  
Antje Lindenmeyer ◽  
Manbinder Sidhu ◽  
Lynda Tait ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Social Hierarchies ◽  
Lifestyle Choices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
West Midlands ◽  
Community Spaces ◽  
Social Causes

Abstract Background Migrants from South Asia living in developed countries have an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), with limited research into underlying social causes. Methods We used social capital as an interpretive lens to undertake analysis of exploratory qualitative interviews with three generations of at-risk migrant Pakistani men from the West Midlands, UK. Perceptions of social networks, trust, and cultural norms associated with access to healthcare (support and information) were the primary area of exploration. Results Findings highlighted the role of social networks within religious or community spaces embedded as part of ethnic enclaves. Local Mosques and gyms remained key social spaces, where culturally specific gender differences played out within the context of a diaspora community, defined ways in which individuals navigated their social spheres and influenced members of their family and community on health and social behaviours. Conclusions There are generational and age-based differences in how members use locations to access and develop social support for particular lifestyle choices. The pursuit of a healthier lifestyle varies across the diverse migrant community, determined by social hierarchies and socio-cultural factors. Living close to similar others can limit exposure to novel lifestyle choices and efforts need to be made to promote wider integration between communities and variety of locations catering to health and lifestyle.

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