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Harris M, Schiff DM, Saia K, Muftu S, Standish KR, Wachman EM. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #21: Breastfeeding in the Setting of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder (Revised 2023). Breastfeed Med 2023; 18:715-733. [PMID: 37856658 PMCID: PMC10775244 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.29256.abm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) revised the 2015 version of the substance use disorder (SUD) clinical protocol to review the evidence and provide updated literature-based recommendations related to breastfeeding in the setting of substance use and SUD treatments. Key Information: Decisions around breastfeeding are an important aspect of care during the peripartum period, and there are specific benefits and risks for substance-exposed mother-infant dyads. Recommendations: This protocol provides breastfeeding recommendations in the setting of nonprescribed opioid, stimulant, sedative-hypnotic, alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use, and SUD treatments. Additionally, we offer guidance on the utility of toxicology testing in breastfeeding recommendations. Individual programs and institutions should establish consistent breastfeeding approaches that mitigate bias, facilitate consistency, and empower mothers with SUD. For specific breastfeeding recommendations, given the complexity of breastfeeding in mothers with SUD, individualized care plans should be created in partnership with the patient and multidisciplinary team with appropriate clinical support and follow-up. In general, breastfeeding is recommended among mothers who stop nonprescribed substance use by the time of delivery, and they should continue to receive ongoing postpartum care, such as lactation support and SUD treatment. Overall, enhancing breastfeeding education regarding substance use in pregnancy and lactation is essential to allow for patient-centered guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Harris
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Davida M. Schiff
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Divisions of General Academic Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelley Saia
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chobanian & Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Serra Muftu
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Divisions of General Academic Pediatrics, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine R. Standish
- Department of Family Medicine, and Chobanian & Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elisha M. Wachman
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Chobanian & Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Sharma R, Pooyak S, Thomas V, Zamar DS, Jongbloed K, Pearce ME, Mazzuca A, Cassidy-Mathews C, Bizzotto RN, Jafari G, Christian KWM, Teegee M, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. The Cedar Project: Racism and its impacts on health and wellbeing among young Indigenous people who use drugs in Prince George and Vancouver, BC. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001914. [PMID: 37647286 PMCID: PMC10468031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Racism continues to drive health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This study focuses on racism experienced by young Indigenous people who have used drugs in British Columbia (BC), and predictors of interpersonal racism. Cedar Project is a community-governed cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, BC. This cross-sectional study included data collected between August 2015-October 2016. The Measure of Indigenous Racism Experiences (MIRE) scale was used to assess experiences of interpersonal racism across 9 unique settings on a 5-point Likert scale, collapsing responses into three categories (none/low/high). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between key variables and interpersonal racism. Among 321 participants, 79% (n = 255) experienced racism in at least one setting. Thirty two percent (n = 102) experienced high interpersonal racism from police, governmental agencies (child 'welfare', health personnel), and in public settings. Ever having a child apprehended (AOR:2.76, 95%CI:1.14-6.65), probable post-traumatic stress (AOR:2.64; 95%CI:1.08-6.46), trying to quit substances (AOR:3.69; 95%CI:1.04-13.06), leaving emergency room without receiving treatment (AOR:3.05; 95%CI:1.22-7.64), and having a traditional language spoken at home while growing up (AOR:2.86; 95%CI:1.90-6.90) were associated with high interpersonal racism. Among women, experiencing high interpersonal racism was more likely if they lived in Prince George (AOR:3.94; 95%CI:1.07-14.50), ever had a child apprehended (AOR:5.09; 95%CI:1.50-17.30), and had probable post-traumatic stress (AOR:5.21; 95%CI:1.43-18.95). Addressing racism experienced by Indigenous peoples requires immediate structural systemic, and interpersonal anti-racist reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Sharma
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sherri Pooyak
- The Cedar Project Partnership and Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research Collaborative Centre (AHA Centre), Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - David S. Zamar
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Margo E. Pearce
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - April Mazzuca
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Chenoa Cassidy-Mathews
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Riley N. Bizzotto
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ghazal Jafari
- McGill University Department of Psychology, The Cedar Project, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Mary Teegee
- The Cedar Project Partnership and Carrier Sekani Family Services, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martin T. Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Patricia M. Spittal
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Ohtsuka MS, Shannon K, Krüsi A, Lee M, King D, Braschel M, Deering K. Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Disclosure Without Consent Among Women Living With HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:351-360. [PMID: 37432310 PMCID: PMC10354302 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study identified the prevalence and perpetrators of HIV disclosure without consent, and social-structural correlates, among women living with HIV (WLWH). Data were drawn from 7 years (September 14 to August 21) of a longitudinal community-based open cohort of cis and trans WLWH living and/or accessing care in Metro Vancouver, Canada. The study sample included 1871 observations among 299 participants. Overall, 160 (53.3%) women reported lifetime HIV disclosure without consent at baseline, and 115 (38.5%) reported HIV disclosure without consent in the previous 6 months during 7 years of follow-up. In a subanalysis (n = 98), the most common perpetrators of HIV disclosure without consent were friends, people in the community, family, health professionals, and neighbors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations, recent (last 6 months) housing insecurity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.43, 95% confidence interval: (1.10-1.86)], minoritized sexual identities (LGBQ2S) [AOR: 1.84 (1.22-2.78)], recently being treated, monitored, or diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder [AOR: 1.37 (0.98-1.92)], and experiencing physical symptoms related to HIV [AOR: 1.75 (1.25-2.44)] was positively associated with recent disclosure without consent. In a context where HIV nondisclosure before sex is criminalized unless viral load is low and a condom is used, it is concerning that a large proportion of women have experienced HIV disclosure without consent. Laws should focus on protecting rights of WLWH, promoting equity, guaranteeing sexual and reproductive rights, and ensuring access to essential services and privacy. Findings highlight the need for trauma-informed approaches among health and housing services that are responsive to intersections of violence and stigma, and include a focus on confidentiality, autonomy, and safe disclosure practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika S. Ohtsuka
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kate Shannon
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Andrea Krüsi
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Melanie Lee
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Desire King
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Kathleen Deering
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Redefining Child Protection: Addressing the Harms of Structural Racism and Punitive Approaches for Birthing People, Dyads, and Families Affected by Substance Use. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 140:167-173. [PMID: 35852265 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There has been growing attention on the effect of substance use, including opioid use disorder, on pregnant and birthing people and their infants. Although effective medication treatment for opioid use disorder is the standard of care, racial disparities are evident in access during pregnancy. Structural racism affects treatment access and approaches to reporting to child welfare services. Black people and their newborns are more likely to be drug tested in medical settings, and Black newborns are more likely to be reported to child welfare services. Child welfare models often focus on substance use as being the dominant issue that drives risk for abuse or neglect of a child, and current reporting practices, which vary by state, contribute to these disparities. This commentary proposes an alternate way of thinking about family-based support. We suggest changes to law, institutional policy, clinical care, and ideology. Specifically, we propose realigning around shared goals of supporting the birthing person-infant dyad and recognizing that substance use is not synonymous with abuse or neglect; creating an anonymous notification process outside of the child welfare system to meet federal data-collection requirements; limiting perinatal drug testing and requiring written, informed consent for parental and neonatal testing; and developing integrated care teams and hospital settings and policies that support dyadic care.
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McQuaid RJ, Schwartz FD, Blackstock C, Matheson K, Anisman H, Bombay A. Parent-Child Separations and Mental Health among First Nations and Métis Peoples in Canada: Links to Intergenerational Residential School Attendance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116877. [PMID: 35682462 PMCID: PMC9180563 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
First Nations children are over 17 times more likely to be removed from their families and placed in the child welfare system (CWS) than non-Indigenous children in Canada. The high rates of parent-child separation have been linked to discriminatory public services and the Indian Residential School (IRS) system, which instigated a multi-generational cycle of family disruption. However, limited empirical evidence exists linking the IRS to subsequent parent-child separations, the CWS, and mental health outcomes among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations in Canada. The current studies examine these relationships using a nationally representative sample of First Nations youth (ages 12–17 years) living in communities across Canada (Study 1), and among First Nations and Métis adults (ages 18+ years) in Canada (Study 2). Study 1 revealed that First Nations youth with a parent who attended IRS had increased odds of not living with either of their biological parents, and both IRS and not living with biological parents independently predicted greater psychological distress. Similarly, Study 2 revealed that First Nations and Métis adults with familial IRS history displayed greater odds of spending time in the CWS, and both IRS and CWS predicted elevated depressive symptoms. The increased distress and depressive symptoms associated with parent-child separations calls for First Nations-led interventions to address the inequities in the practices of removing Indigenous children and youth from their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J. McQuaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada; (K.M.); (H.A.)
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Flint D. Schwartz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Cindy Blackstock
- First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Ottawa, ON K1R 7S8, Canada;
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B9, Canada
| | - Kim Matheson
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada; (K.M.); (H.A.)
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada; (K.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Amy Bombay
- Department of Psychiatry and School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
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Woods C, Kim B, Guo K, Nyguen T, Taplayan S, Aronowitz T. Factors That Influence Substance Use Among American Indian/Alaskan Native Youth: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2022; 28:37-57. [PMID: 34396829 DOI: 10.1177/10783903211038050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) mortality rate from illicit drug use was 22.7%, double that of the general population between 2007 and 2009. Fifteen percent of AI/AN youth reported receiving treatment for substance use compared with 10% of non-AI/AN peers. OBJECTIVE The purpose was to explore the factors that influence substance use among AI/AN youth. METHOD We performed a systematic review using a results-based convergent synthesis design. Eight electronic databases were searched for articles published between 2014 and 2019 using the search terms "Native American youth," "Native American adolescent," "Native Youth," "substance use," "substance misuse," and "substance abuse." The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the studies. RESULTS Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria (44 quantitative, one qualitative, and two mixed-methods studies). The results were organized using the ecological systems model and included evaluation of both protective and risk factors related to AI/AN youth substance use. Three system levels were found to influence substance use: individual, micro- and macrosystems. The individual systems-level coping mechanisms played a key role in whether AI/AN youth initiated substance use. Family, school, and peer factors influence the microsystem level. At the macrosystem level, community environmental factors were influential. CONCLUSION The major factor linking all the systems was the influence of a connected relationship with a prosocial adult who instilled future aspirations and a positive cultural identity. Findings of this systematic mixed studies review will assist in intervention development for AI/AN youth to prevent substance misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Woods
- Cedric Woods, PhD, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - BoRam Kim
- BoRam Kim, BSN, RN, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristine Guo
- Kristine Guo, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tuyet Nyguen
- Tuyet Nugyen, University of Massachusetts Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarin Taplayan
- Sarin Tapalyan, BSN, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Teri Aronowitz
- Teri Aronowitz, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAAN, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
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Weber A, Miskle B, Lynch A, Arndt S, Acion L. Substance Use in Pregnancy: Identifying Stigma and Improving Care. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2021; 12:105-121. [PMID: 34849047 PMCID: PMC8627324 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s319180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review examines the impact of stigma on pregnant people who use substances. Stigma towards people who use drugs is pervasive and negatively impacts the care of substance-using people by characterizing addiction as a weakness and fostering beliefs that undermine the personal resources needed to access treatment and recover from addiction, including self-efficacy, help seeking and belief that they deserve care. Stigma acts on multiple levels by blaming people for having a problem and then making it difficult for them to get help, but in spite of this, most pregnant people who use substances reduce or stop using when they learn they are pregnant. Language, beliefs about gender roles, and attitudes regarding fitness for parenting are social factors that can express and perpetuate stigma while facilitating punitive rather than therapeutic approaches. Because of stigmatizing attitudes that a person who uses substances is unfit to parent, pregnant people who use substances are at heightened risk of being screened for substance use, referred to child welfare services, and having their parental rights taken away; these outcomes are even more likely for people of color. Various treatment options can successfully support recovery in substance-using pregnant populations, but treatment is underutilized in all populations including pregnant people, and more knowledge is needed on how to sustain engagement in treatment and recovery activities. To combat stigma when working with substance-using pregnant people throughout the peripartum period, caregivers should utilize a trauma-informed approach that incorporates harm reduction and motivational interviewing with a focus on building trust, enhancing self-efficacy, and strengthening the personal skills and resources needed to optimize health of the parent-baby dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Benjamin Miskle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alison Lynch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Stephan Arndt
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura Acion
- Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Instituto de Cálculo, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pearce ME, Jongbloed K, Pooyak S, Christian WM, Teegee MGWWM, Caron NR, Thomas V, Henderson E, Zamar D, Yoshida EM, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. The Cedar Project: exploring the role of colonial harms and childhood maltreatment on HIV and hepatitis C infection in a cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in two Canadian cities. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042545. [PMID: 34244246 PMCID: PMC8268907 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined associations between childhood maltreatment, colonial harms and sex/drug-related risks for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among young Indigenous people who use drugs. DESIGN The Cedar Project is a cohort involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Indigenous collaborators, collectively known as the Cedar Project Partnership, govern the entire research process. SETTING Vancouver is a large city on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Prince George is a mid-sized city, on the traditional territory of Lheidli T'enneh First Nation. PARTICIPANTS 420 participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and returned for follow-up from 2003 to 2016. PRIMARY/SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were HIV and HCV infection over the study period. Secondary outcomes included sex and substance use-related risks. RESULTS Prevalence of childhood maltreatment was 92.6% experienced any maltreatment; 73.4% experienced emotional abuse; 62.6% experienced physical abuse; 60.3% experienced sexual abuse; 69.5% experienced emotional neglect and 79.1% experienced physical neglect. We observed significant associations between childhood maltreatment and apprehensions into residential schools and foster care. All maltreatment types were associated with higher odds of sex/substance use-related risks; sexual abuse was associated with higher odds of HCV infection (adjusted OR: 1.67; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.66; p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS Findings reflect high prevalence of childhood maltreatment and their associations with HIV/HCV risk and HCV infection. Public health prevention and treatment initiatives must be trauma informed and culturally safe to support healing, health, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo E Pearce
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sherri Pooyak
- Cree, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Community Based Collaborative Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Maaxswxw Gibuu White Wolf Mary Teegee
- Gitk'san and Carrier, Luxgaboo Wolf Clan, Takla Lake First Nation, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
- Carrier Sekani Family Services, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nadine R Caron
- Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation (Ojibwa), Massey, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Victoria Thomas
- Wuikinuxv Nation, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
- The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Earl Henderson
- Cree, Métis, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Zamar
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin T Schechter
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patricia M Spittal
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Davison CM, Thanabalasingam SJ, Purkey EM, Bayoumi I. Child Maltreatment and Public Health: Do Gaps in Response during the COVID-19 Pandemic Highlight Jurisdictional Complexities? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18136851. [PMID: 34202309 PMCID: PMC8297272 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Countermeasures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic produced an environment that placed some children at increased risk of maltreatment at the same time as there were decreased opportunities for identifying and reporting abuse. Unfortunately, coordinated government responses to address child protection since the start of the pandemic have been limited in Canada. As an exploratory study to examine the potential academic evidence base and location of expertise that could have been used to inform COVID-19 pandemic response, we undertook a review of child maltreatment research across three prominent Canadian professional journals in social work, medicine and public health. Methods: We conducted a pre-pandemic, thirteen-year (2006–2019) archival analysis of all articles published in the Canadian Social Work Review (CSWR), the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) and the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) and identified the research articles that related directly to child maltreatment, child protection or the child welfare system in Canada. Results: Of 11,824 articles published across the three journals, 20 research papers relating to child maltreatment, child protection or the child welfare system were identified (CJPH = 7; CMAJ = 3; CSWR = 10). There was no obvious pattern in article topics by discipline. Discussion: Taking these three prominent professional journals as a portal into research in these disciplines, we highlight the potential low volume of academic child maltreatment research despite the importance of the topic and irrespective of discipline. We believe that urgent transdisciplinary collaboration and overall awareness raising for child protection is called for at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as beyond in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Davison
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-572-1033
| | | | - Eva M. Purkey
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (E.M.P.); (I.B.)
| | - Imaan Bayoumi
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (E.M.P.); (I.B.)
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10
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Ritland L, Thomas V, Jongbloed K, Zamar DS, Teegee MP, Christian WK, Richardson CG, Guhn M, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. The Cedar Project: Relationship between child apprehension and attempted suicide among young Indigenous mothers impacted by substance use in two Canadian cities. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252993. [PMID: 34111186 PMCID: PMC8191959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Indigenous leaders are gravely concerned over disproportionate representation of Indigenous children in Canada's child welfare systems. Forced separation from children is deeply traumatizing for mothers and detrimental to the wellbeing of Indigenous families, communities and Nations. This study examined relationships between child apprehension and suicide attempt within a cohort of young Indigenous women impacted by substance use. We utilized data collected every 6 months (2008-2016) by the Cedar Project, an Indigenous-governed cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia, Canada. Recent child apprehension was defined as having a child apprehended by the Ministry of Child and Family Development since last visit. Recurrent event Cox proportional hazards models estimated the independent effect of child apprehension on maternal suicide attempt. Among 293 participants, 78 (27%) reported 136 child apprehensions; incidence of first apprehension was 6.64 (95%CI: 5.25-8.29) per 100 person-years. Forty-seven (16%) participants reported 75 suicide attempts with an incidence of 4.00 (95%CI: 2.94-5.33) per 100 person-years. Participants who reported recent child apprehension (HR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.00-3.55), had a parent attend residential school (HR: 4.12, 95%CI: 1.63-10.46), experienced recent sexual assault (HR: 4.04, 95%CI: 2.04-7.99), violence (HR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.52-4.27) or overdose (HR: 4.97, 95%CI: 2.96-8.35) were more likely to attempt suicide. Participants who had a traditional language spoken in the home growing up were half as likely to attempt suicide (HR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.23-1.01). Results suggest that child welfare systems in Canada perpetuate historical and intergenerational trauma among young Indigenous mothers. Indigenous self-determination over child welfare and culturally safe services are urgently needed to end cycles of child apprehension and support the wellbeing of families, communities and Nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ritland
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Victoria Thomas
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Wuikinuxv Nation
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David S. Zamar
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mary P. Teegee
- Takla Lake First Nation, Carrier Sekani Family Services, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Wenecwtsin-Kukpi Christian
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Splatsin te Secwepemc
| | - Chris G. Richardson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Guhn
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin T. Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patricia M. Spittal
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Jongbloed K, Pearce ME, Thomas V, Sharma R, Pooyak S, Demerais L, Lester RT, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. The Cedar Project - Mobile Phone Use and Acceptability of Mobile Health Among Young Indigenous People Who Have Used Drugs in British Columbia, Canada: Mixed Methods Exploratory Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e16783. [PMID: 32716311 PMCID: PMC7427984 DOI: 10.2196/16783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Indigenous leaders continue to be concerned about high rates of HIV and barriers to HIV treatment among young Indigenous people involved in substance use. Growing evidence suggests that using mobile phones for health (mHealth) may be a powerful way to support connection with health services, including HIV prevention and treatment. Objective This study examined the patterns of mobile phone ownership and use among young Indigenous people who have used drugs living with or vulnerable to HIV and explored the acceptability of mHealth to support access to health care in this population. Methods The Cedar Project is a cohort study involving young Indigenous people who have used drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia. This mixed methods exploratory study involved 131 Cedar Project participants enrolled in our WelTel mHealth program. At enrollment, participants completed a questionnaire related to mobile phone use and interest in mHealth. Data were linked to Cedar Project questionnaires and serodata. We present comparative statistics (quantitative) and results of a rapid thematic analysis (qualitative) related to mobile phone patterns and interest in receiving mHealth. Results Less than half of the participants (59/130; 45.4%) reported owning a phone. Among those with a phone, the majority owned a smartphone (46/59; 78%). Most participants with a phone reported having an unlimited texting plan (39/55; 71%), using the internet on their phone (44/59; 75%), and texting daily (44/55; 80%). A majority reported that using a mobile phone for health would be invaluable (120/130; 92.3%). There were no differences in mHealth acceptance between participants who owned a phone and those who did not (P>.99). All but one participant living with HIV felt using a mobile phone would be helpful for their health, while a small proportion of HIV-negative participants remained unsure (1.9% vs 11.7%; P=.047). In response to open-ended questions asking why using a mobile phone may be helpful for health, participants identified a diverse set of anticipated benefits: (1) connection for emotional, mental, and spiritual support, (2) connection to family, (3) staying in touch and/or being reachable, (4) overcoming current barriers to phone use, (5) convenience, privacy, and safety, and (6) access to health care and emergency services. Conclusions We observed high acceptance and interest in using mobile phone technology for health despite low rates of personal mobile phone connectivity among young Indigenous people who have used drugs living with and vulnerable to HIV in British Columbia, Canada. Mobile phones were viewed as a way to support connections and relationships that are seen as critical to health and well-being among young Indigenous people in this study. Findings may be useful for health care providers preparing to scale up mHealth programs to support HIV prevention and treatment in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Jongbloed
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Margo E Pearce
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Vicky Thomas
- The Cedar Project, Prince George, BC, Canada.,Wuikinuxv Nation, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Richa Sharma
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sherri Pooyak
- Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research Collaborative Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Cree, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Lou Demerais
- Cree & Métis, Surrey, BC, Canada.,The Cedar Project, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Richard T Lester
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin T Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patricia M Spittal
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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- The Cedar Project, Prince George, BC, Canada.,The Cedar Project, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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12
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Pearce ME, Jongbloed K, Demerais L, MacDonald H, Christian WM, Sharma R, Pick N, Yoshida EM, Spittal PM, Klein MB. "Another thing to live for": Supporting HCV treatment and cure among Indigenous people impacted by substance use in Canadian cities. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 74:52-61. [PMID: 31525640 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colonization and colonial systems have led to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people impacted by substance use and HCV infection in Canada. It is critical to ensure Indigenous people's equitable access to new direct acting antiviral HCV treatments (DAAs). Identifying culturally-safe, healing-centered approaches that support the wellbeing of Indigenous people living with HCV is an essential step toward this goal. We listened to the stories and perspectives of HCV-affected Indigenous people and HCV treatment providers with the aim of providing pragmatic recommendations for decolonizing HCV care. METHODS Forty-five semi-structured interviews were carried out with Indigenous participants affected by HCV from the Cedar Project (n = 20, British Columbia (BC)) and the Canadian Coinfection Cohort (n = 25, BC; Ontario (ON); Saskatchewan (SK)). In addition, 10 HCV treatment providers were interviewed (n = 4 BC, n = 4 ON, n = 2 SK). Interpretive description identified themes to inform clinical approaches and public health HCV care. Themes and related recommendations were validated by Indigenous health experts and Indigenous participants prior to coding and re-contextualization. RESULTS Taken together, participants' stories and perceptions were interpreted to coalesce into three overarching and interdependent themes representing their recommendations. First: treatment providers must understand and accept colonization as a determinant of health and wellness among HCV-affected Indigenous people, including ongoing cycles of child apprehension and discrimination within the healthcare system. Second: consistently safe attitudes and actions create trust within HCV treatment provider-patient relationships and open opportunities for engagement into care. Third: treatment providers who identify, build, and strengthen circles of care will have greater success engaging HCV-affected Indigenous people who have used drugs into care. CONCLUSION There are several pragmatic ways to integrate Truth and Reconciliation as well as Indigenous concepts of whole-person wellness into the HCV cascade of care. By doing so, HCV treatment providers have an opportunity to create greater equity and support long-term wellness of Indigenous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Pearce
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| | - K Jongbloed
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - L Demerais
- Cree/Métis, Vancouver Native Health Society, 449 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P5, Canada
| | - H MacDonald
- Mamoo Naakiiwin, P.O. Box #573, Matheson, ON P0K 1N0, Canada
| | - W M Christian
- Splatsin Secwepemc Nation, 5775 Old Vernon Rd, Enderby, BC V0E 1V3, Canada.
| | - R Sharma
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - N Pick
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 2733 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 3J5, Canada.
| | - E M Yoshida
- University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Gastroenterology, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - P M Spittal
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - M B Klein
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, D02.4110, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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13
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Barker B, Sedgemore K, Tourangeau M, Lagimodiere L, Milloy J, Dong H, Hayashi K, Shoveller J, Kerr T, DeBeck K. Intergenerational Trauma: The Relationship Between Residential Schools and the Child Welfare System Among Young People Who Use Drugs in Vancouver, Canada. J Adolesc Health 2019; 65:248-254. [PMID: 30948272 PMCID: PMC6650326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the relationship between familial residential school system (RSS) exposure and personal child welfare system (CWS) involvement among young people who use drugs (PWUD). METHODS Data were obtained from two linked cohorts of PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, and restricted to Indigenous participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between three categories of familial RSS exposure (none, grandparent, and parent) and CWS involvement. A secondary analysis assessed the likelihood of CWS involvement between non-Indigenous and Indigenous PWUD with no familial RSS exposure. RESULTS Between December 2011 and May 2016, 675 PWUD (aged <35 years) were included in this study, 40% identified as Indigenous. In multivariable analyses, compared with Indigenous participants with no RSS exposure (reference), those with a grandparent in the RSS had a higher likelihood of having been in CWS (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .67-2.71), as did those with a parent exposed to RSS (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.03-3.99). In secondary analysis, the odds of CWS involvement was not significantly different between non-Indigenous and Indigenous PWUD with no familial RSS exposure (AOR = .63, 95% CI: .38-1.06). CONCLUSIONS We observed a dose-response-type trend between familial RSS exposure and personal CWS involvement and a nonsignificant difference in the likelihood of CWS involvement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous PWUD when controlling for RSS exposure. These data demonstrate the intergenerational impact of the RSS on the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth in the CWS. Findings have critical implications for public policy and practice including reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Barker
- BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada; Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Kali Sedgemore
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 2A9
| | - Malcolm Tourangeau
- Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society, 380 E Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6A 1P4
| | - Louise Lagimodiere
- Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society, 380 E Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6A 1P4
| | - John Milloy
- Trent University, 1600 W Bank Dr., Peterborough, ON Canada K9J 0G2
| | - Huiru Dong
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 2A9,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 2A9,Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Jean Shoveller
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Thomas Kerr
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 2A9,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9
| | - Kora DeBeck
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 2A9,School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 515 W Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 5K3
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14
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The Cedar Project: exploring determinants of psychological distress among young Indigenous people who use drugs in three Canadian cities. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2018; 5:e35. [PMID: 30455970 PMCID: PMC6236218 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2018.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health and wellbeing, including addressing impacts of historical trauma and substance use among young people, has been identified as a key priority by Indigenous communities and leaders across Canada and globally. Yet, research to understand mental health among young Indigenous people who have used drugs is limited. AIMS To examine longitudinal risk and strengths-based factors associated with psychological distress among young Indigenous people who use drugs. METHOD The Cedar Project is an ongoing cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in Vancouver, Prince George, and Chase, British Columbia, Canada. This study included participants who completed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, returned for follow-up between 2010 and 2012, and completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Adjusted linear mixed-effects models estimated effects of study variables on changes in area T-scores of psychological distress. RESULTS Of 202 eligible participants, 53% were women and the mean age was 28 years. Among men, childhood maltreatment (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect), any drug use, blackouts from drinking, and sex work were associated with increased distress. Among women, childhood maltreatment (emotional abuse, physical abuse, physical neglect), blackouts from drinking, and sexual assault were associated with increased distress, while having attempted to quit using drugs was associated with reduced distress. Marginal associations were observed between speaking their traditional language and living by traditional culture with lower distress among men. CONCLUSION Culturally safe mental wellness interventions are urgently needed to address childhood trauma and harmful coping strategies that exacerbate distress among young Indigenous people who use drugs.
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Jongbloed K, Pearce ME, Pooyak S, Zamar D, Thomas V, Demerais L, Christian WM, Henderson E, Sharma R, Blair AH, Yoshida EM, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. The Cedar Project: mortality among young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia. CMAJ 2017; 189:E1352-E1359. [PMID: 29109208 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.160778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young Indigenous people, particularly those involved in the child welfare system, those entrenched in substance use and those living with HIV or hepatitis C, are dying prematurely. We report mortality rates among young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia and explore predictors of mortality over time. METHODS We analyzed data collected every 6 months between 2003 and 2014 by the Cedar Project, a prospective cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, BC. We calculated age-standardized mortality ratios using Indigenous and Canadian reference populations. We identified predictors of mortality using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS Among 610 participants, 40 died between 2003 and 2014, yielding a mortality rate of 670 per 100 000 person-years. Young Indigenous people who used drugs were 12.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.2-17.5) times more likely to die than all Canadians the same age and were 7.8 (95% CI 5.6-10.6) times more likely to die than Indigenous people with Status in BC. Young women and those using drugs by injection were most affected. The leading causes of death were overdose (n = 15 [38%]), illness (n = 11 [28%]) and suicide (n = 5 [12%]). Predictors of mortality included having hepatitis C at baseline (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.76, 95% CI 1.47-5.16), previous attempted suicide (adjusted HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.01-3.50) and recent overdose (adjusted HR 2.85, 95% CI 1.00-8.09). INTERPRETATION Young Indigenous people using drugs in BC are dying at an alarming rate, particularly young women and those using injection drugs. These deaths likely reflect complex intersections of historical and present-day injustices, substance use and barriers to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Jongbloed
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Margo E Pearce
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Sherri Pooyak
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - David Zamar
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Vicky Thomas
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Lou Demerais
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Wayne M Christian
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Earl Henderson
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Richa Sharma
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Alden H Blair
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Martin T Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Patricia M Spittal
- School of Population and Public Health (Jongbloed, Sharma, Blair, Schechter, Spittal), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Zamar), and Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), The University of British Columbia; Canadian HIV Trials Network (Pearce); Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (Pooyak [Cree]); The Cedar Project, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Thomas [Wuikinuxv Nation]), BC Children's Hospital; Vancouver Native Health Society (Demerais [Cree, Métis]), Vancouver, BC; Splatsin te Secwepemc (Christian [Splatsin te Secwepemc]); Department of First Nations Studies (Henderson [Cree, Métis]), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC; Division of Gastroenterology (Yoshida), Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC
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16
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Jongbloed K, Friedman AJ, Pearce ME, Van Der Kop ML, Thomas V, Demerais L, Pooyak S, Schechter MT, Lester RT, Spittal PM. The Cedar Project WelTel mHealth intervention for HIV prevention in young Indigenous people who use illicit drugs: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2016; 17:128. [PMID: 26957103 PMCID: PMC4784291 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1250-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite successes in preventing and treating HIV, Indigenous people in Canada continue to face disproportionately high rates of HIV infection. Programs that support healing from lifetime trauma, support connection to culture, and reduce drug-related harms are critical to preventing HIV among young Indigenous people who use drugs. The Cedar Project WelTel mHealth intervention proposed here is a structured mobile-phone initiative to connect young Indigenous people who use drugs with Cedar Case Managers in a community-based setting. The intervention consists of a package of supports, including a mobile phone and cellular plan, weekly two-way text messaging, and support from Cedar Case Managers. METHODS The Cedar Project WelTel mHealth study is a multi-site Zelen pre-randomized trial to measure the effect of a two-way supportive text-message intervention to reduce HIV vulnerability among young Indigenous people who use illicit drugs in two Canadian cities. The trial is nested within the Cedar Project, an ongoing cohort study addressing HIV and hepatitis C vulnerability among young Indigenous people who use drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia. The Cedar Project Partnership, an independent body of Indigenous Elders, leaders, and health/social service experts, governs all aspects of the study. Two hundred participants will be followed over a 16-month period, with HIV propensity score at 6 months as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include HIV propensity at 1 year, HIV risk, resilience, psychological distress, access to drug-related services, and connection to culture measured at 6 months and 1 year. Primary analysis is by intention to treat. DISCUSSION Culturally safe interventions that address barriers to HIV prevention while supporting the strength of young Indigenous people who use drugs are urgently needed. Despite presenting a tremendous opportunity to connect young, highly transient Indigenous people who use drugs to prevention services, supportive two-way mHealth programs have yet to be tested for HIV prevention in a community-based setting with this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02437123 https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02437123 (registered 4 May 2015). Protocol version: 24 July 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Jongbloed
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Anton J Friedman
- The Cedar Project, Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Margo E Pearce
- The Cedar Project, Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Mia L Van Der Kop
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18a, Campus Solna, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 566-828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L8, Canada.
| | - Vicky Thomas
- The Cedar Project, Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Lou Demerais
- Vancouver Native Health Society, 455 Hastings Street E, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P5, Canada.
| | - Sherri Pooyak
- Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, 6520 Salish Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6N 2C7, Canada.
| | - Martin T Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Richard T Lester
- Neglected Global Diseases Initiative, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 564-828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L8, Canada.
| | - Patricia M Spittal
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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