COVID-19 and the impact on services for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections: Survey among African, Caribbean and Black people

Certain populations in Canada have faced greater challenges in accessing healthcare services due to public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between May to July 2021, we conducted an anonymous online survey among African, Caribbean and Black people to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their ability to access:

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

Planning and implementation of the survey was done in collaboration with several community stakeholders. Key stakeholders included the University of Ottawa and Women's Health in Women's Hands, as they assembled the National Expert Working Group.

Survey respondents included anyone:

• 18 years or older who was living in Canada and
• who identified as African, Carribean and Black

In total, 1,556 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 African, Caribbean and Black people
• National report: Survey on the impact of COVID-19 on access to STBBI-related services, including harm reduction services, for African, Caribbean and Black people in Canada
• Data Blog: How has COVID-19 impacted access to STBBI-related health services, including harm reduction services, for African, Caribbean and Black people in Canada?

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