Harm reduction acceptability and feasibility in a North American indigenous reserve community

The present study assessed community and culturally specific alcohol-related harm among North American Indigenous (NAI) individuals, as well as the acceptability and feasibility of harm reduction approaches in one reserve-based NAI community.

Participants lived on or near a NAI reserve in Canada. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with health care workers (N = 8, 75% NAI) and community members (N = 9, 100% NAI). Self-report questionnaires were administered that measured acceptability and feasibility of harm reduction strategies.

Conventional content analysis revealed loss of culture as culturally specific alcohol-related harm. Health care workers rated harm reduction approaches to be acceptable and feasible, while community participants were more mixed. Majority of participants felt that some harm reduction strategies could provide opportunities for individuals who use alcohol to connect to Indigenous culture and traditions. However, there were mixed findings on whether harm reduction strategies are consistent with Indigenous cultural traditions and values.

Future research is needed to evaluate potential utility of harm-reduction approaches for NAI communities.