Open Collections

Wu, Kelvin

University of British Columbia

Background: In response to a growing toxic drug crisis, drug checking services (DCS) have been implemented across British Columbia (BC). DCS have been offered in various settings (e.g., festivals, community) using different technologies (e.g., Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR]), though little is known about the uptake of DCS and its influence on behaviour. This thesis aims to examine characteristics shaping frequent utilization of DCS and the effect of DCS on behaviour change specific to reducing risk of harms. Methods: Data were derived from a cross-sectional study administered across BC. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to investigate: 1) factors associated with frequency of DCS utilization and 2) the effect of attitude towards DCS results (i.e., not pleased vs. pleased) on engagement in risk reduction practices (i.e., disposed of drug, used less). Using descriptive statistics, we also examined whether specific risk reduction practices differed based on being pleased (or not) with DCS results. Results: Amongst 321 participants, 152 (47.4%) utilized drug checking once. Factors positively associated with frequent drug checking utilization included having witnessed an overdose (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.71; 95% Confidence Interval [CI}: 1.52 – 5.00) and having accessed healthcare services (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.06 – 3.61), whereas those who self-identified as Indigenous, Black, or Person of Colour (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.26 – 0.76) and those who had an outstanding warrant (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.24 – 0.94) were negatively associated with the outcome. Amongst 288 participants, 77 (26.7%) were not pleased with their results which was positively associated with engagement in a risk reduction practice (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI: 1.72 – 9.09). While most participants reported no behaviour change, the most reported risk reduction practices were disposing of the drug (18; 23.4%) and selling the drug (10; 4.7%) for participants not pleased and pleased with their results respectively. Conclusions: Findings from this thesis suggest that various facilitators and barriers might influence frequent and continued DCS utilization. Additionally, we found that attitudes regarding DCS results can play an important role in determining behaviour change, further emphasizing the potential of DCS to reduce risk associated with substance use.

Text

2024-08-29

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/89089

Experimental Medicine

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/