Testing for Sexually Transmitted and Bloodborne Infections in Substance Users: Insights from the 2023 British Columbia Harm Reduction Client Survey - Scorecard - MDSpire
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Testing for Sexually Transmitted and Bloodborne Infections in Substance Users: Insights from the 2023 British Columbia Harm Reduction Client Survey
Clinical Scorecard: Testing for Sexually Transmitted and Bloodborne Infections in Substance Users: Insights from the 2023 British Columbia Harm Reduction Client Survey
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs)
Key Mechanisms
Increased prevalence among people who use substances (PWUS) due to sharing equipment and engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.
Target Population
People who use substances (PWUS), particularly young adults and men.
Care Setting
Community-based harm reduction services, including overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites.
Key Highlights
PWUS have a significantly higher prevalence of STBBIs compared to the general population.
Barriers to STBBI testing include stigma, discrimination, and limited health literacy.
Community-based, low-barrier testing initiatives can improve testing uptake among PWUS.
Harm reduction services provide essential support and access to STBBI testing.
Strengthening early detection is critical to minimizing transmission and improving treatment linkage.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Implement routine STBBI testing in harm reduction settings.
Management
Utilize community-based approaches to facilitate access to testing and treatment.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Regularly assess testing uptake and barriers among PWUS.
Risks
Address the social determinants of health that contribute to STBBI vulnerability.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals accessing harm reduction services in British Columbia.
Access to sterile equipment and testing can reduce transmission risks.
Clinical Best Practices
Provide low-barrier access to STBBI testing in harm reduction settings.
Train healthcare providers on addiction and STBBI care.
Engage PWUS in the design and implementation of testing services.
by Amrit Tiwana, Katherine A. Twohig, Mieke Fraser, Brooke Kinniburgh, Charlene Burmeister, Paul Choisil, Elizabeth Haywood, Dylan Griffith, Chloé G. Xavier, Alannah Hannigan, Kate Salters, Sofia R. Bartlett
