A5011648853- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- Homelessness and Social Issues
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Sex work and related issues
- Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
- Housing, Finance, and Neoliberalism
- Pain Management and Opioid Use
- Sleep and related disorders
- HIV-related health complications and treatments
- Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations
- LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
- Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Cardiovascular Health and Risk Factors
University of British Columbia
2020-2025
British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
2019-2025
University of California, San Francisco
2023
Zero to Three
2020
Providence Health Care
2019
Abstract Study Objectives Short sleep duration is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, it uncertain whether debt, a measure of deficiency during the week compared to weekend, confers Because disturbances increase age particularly in women, we examined relationship between debt and ideal health (ICH) older women. Methods Sleep defined as difference self-reported total weekday weekend hours at least 2 among women without apparent CVD cancer participating...
Background: Young sexual and gender minority (SGM) men experience disproportionate risk of drug-related harms. Improving access to drug checking services (DCS), where people can receive information about the contents their illicit drugs, is critical facilitate safer use among this population. However, no research date has explored perspectives on DCS.Objectives: To explore DCS young SGM in Metro Vancouver, Canada.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 (ages 18-30) living...
Abstract Background Housing environments shape injection drug-related risks and harms thus represent a critical implementation setting for syringe services programs (SSPs). As harm reduction measures, SSPs provide safe injecting equipment to people who inject drugs (PWID). Vancouver, Canada, has well-established distribution through which PWID have low-threshold access unlimited syringes related equipment, including non-profit operated supportive housing single-room occupancy hotels. This...
Background Food insecurity is associated with poor mental health among people living HIV (PLHIV). This qualitative study explored the experiences of PLHIV participating in a medically appropriate food support program. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention (n = 34). Interview topics included changes, or lack thereof, and reasons for changes. Interviews audio-recorded, transcribed, double-coded. Salient themes identified using an inductive-deductive method....
More than 3 decades of research has provided compelling evidence regarding the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness needle syringe programs in reducing syringe-sharing transmission HIV, HCV, other bloodborne infections. However, repressive drug policies law enforcement practices around world continue to undermine their operations scale-up, as well access harm reduction among people who inject drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened barriers programs, raising concerns about unsafe...
Abstract Introduction People living with HIV who use drugs commonly experience chronic pain and often illicit opioids to manage pain. Recent research suggests people cannabis for relief, including as an adjunct opioids. This underscores the need better understand how management, particularly markets are undergoing changes due legalisation. Methods From September 2018 April 2019, we conducted in‐depth interviews 25 in Vancouver, Canada examine experiences using Interviews were audio‐recorded,...
Abstract Background While previous research has identified how criminalization of HIV non-disclosure can have deleterious effects on those living with HIV, the perspectives people who use drugs – a population disproportionately affected by HIV– should be more meaningfully considered in these discussions. Methods Using constant comparative techniques, data from 60 interviews men and women without Vancouver were analyzed to explore their perceptions about Canada’s legal framework. Results...
Abstract Introduction Older adults living with HIV (OALHIV; ≥50 years) who use drugs face unique needs and challenges that compromise their health wellbeing due to the structural environmental barriers they experience, in addition being disproportionately affected by comorbidities. Nevertheless, research on this population is limited work needed tailor optimize care services. The purpose of commentary address key gaps pertaining OALHIV drugs. Discussion We identified four specific Gap 1:...
Abstract Background The province of British Columbia (BC), Canada, was among the first jurisdictions to scale up HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP) population level, including funding and policy commitments that enhanced testing efforts (e.g., expansion routine, opt-out testing), while also making antiretroviral therapy universally available all people living with HIV. As such, BC represents a critical context within which identify factors influenced scalability TasP acceptability, adoption,...
Abstract Background In response to the overdose crisis, a collaborative group of two community-based organizations, health authority and research institute in Vancouver, Canada, implemented pilot drug checking (CBDC) intervention for sexual gender minority (SGM) men. This study identified key factors that influenced implementation CBDC intervention, including opportunities challenges. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with seven pertinent parties involved CBDC, policymakers,...
Amidst the ongoing drug poisoning crisis across North America, checking services (DCS) are increasingly being implemented as an intervention intended to reduce drug-related harms. This study sought identify key opportunities and challenges influencing implementation of DCS in British Columbia (BC), Canada.