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Harm reduction product distribution in British Columbia.
Stephanie S Harvard1, Warren D Hill, Jane A Buxton
1Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Summary
Harm reduction product distribution in British Columbia shows significant regional disparities. The study found that the supply of sterile needles and syringes is insufficient to meet the demand for all illicit drug injections.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) monitors harm reduction supplies.
- Harm reduction products include needles, syringes, sterile water, swabs, condoms, and lubricant.
Purpose of the Study:
- Measure harm reduction product distribution across British Columbia.
- Identify regional variations in distribution.
- Estimate the supply and demand ratio for needles and syringes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three years of BCCDC administrative data (2004-2006).
- Calculated product distribution by Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA).
- Estimated illicit drug injections using IDU population data.
Main Results:
- Significant regional differences in harm reduction product distribution per capita were observed.
- An average of 5,382,933 needle and syringe units were distributed annually.
- The province distributed only 21.5% of the estimated units needed for all illicit drug injections.
Conclusions:
- Harm reduction product distribution is inequitable across BC HSDAs.
- Current sterile injecting equipment distribution is inadequate to meet demand.
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