COVID-19 and the impact on services for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections: Survey among people who use drugs or alcohol

Certain populations in Canada have faced greater challenges in accessing healthcare services due to public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between January and February 2021, we conducted an anonymous online survey among people who use drugs or alcohol to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their ability to access:

• sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) prevention, testing and treatment services
• harm reduction services

Planning and implementation of the survey was done in collaboration with the Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs. They assembled the National Expert Working Group.

Survey respondents included anyone:

• 18 years or older who was living in Canada and
• who identified as a person who used drugs, alcohol or cannabis in the past 6 months

In total, 1,034 people from across Canada participated.

The collected information will be used to document unintended consequences of the COVID-19 public health measures on these communities, including changes in their access to health services. The survey will provide valuable information to analyze STBBI trends, inform policy and improve services in Canada.

Results

• Infographic: Impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of STBBI-related services in Canada, including harm reduction services, for people who use drugs or alcohol
• National report: Survey on the impact of COVID-19 on access to STBBI-related services, including harm reduction services, for people who use drugs or alcohol
• Data blog: How has COVID-19 impacted access to STBBI-related health services, including harm reduction services, in Canada for people who use drugs or alcohol?

For more information about this survey, contact phac.tracks.aspc@canada.ca.