Introduction
Saskatchewan faces a serious public health crisis with high rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, especially among people who use drugs. Injection drug use significantly drives these overlapping epidemics, worsened by challenges such as stigma, poverty, and a lack of culturally safe healthcare. There is an urgent need for innovative, community-informed strategies to enhance prevention, testing, and linkage to care.
Methods and Analysis
This study will implement a rapid assessment and response system in Regina, Saskatchewan, combining geospatial mapping of needle distribution with mobile pop-up interventions. Maps identifying needle hotspots will guide community-based events providing point-of-care testing for HIV, syphilis, and HCV, along with education on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
A convergent participatory mixed-methods approach will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the intervention. The study will use the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework for guidance.
- Quantitative data will measure changes in PrEP and PEP knowledge, participant satisfaction with the intervention, new diagnoses, and demographics using descriptive statistics.
- A qualitative substudy with 30 participants will explore experiences with the intervention, obstacles to care, and perceptions of service delivery.
"This study integrates geospatial mapping with community events to better reach populations affected by injection drug use and improve prevention efforts for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C."
Author's summary: This study employs geospatial mapping and community pop-ups in Regina to enhance HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C prevention among drug users, aiming to improve testing, education, and care access.