Trends of incident stimulant use disorder diagnoses before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia (2013-2024): a population-based study - Takeaways - MDSpire

Trends of incident stimulant use disorder diagnoses before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia (2013-2024): a population-based study

  • By

  • Roshni Desai

  • Kevin Hu

  • Bin Zhao

  • Shania Au

  • Xuan Chen

  • Mallory Flynn

  • Mike Irvine

  • Hind Sbihi

  • Brooke Kinniburgh

  • Kali-Olt Sedgemore

  • Kirsten Marchand

  • Sofia Bartlett

  • Naveed Janjua

  • Alexis Crabtree

  • Heather Palis

  • May 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The study analyzed trends in incident stimulant use disorder (StUD) diagnoses in British Columbia before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • 2

    A total of 38,217 individuals were diagnosed with incident StUD from January 2013 to March 2024, with a notable increase post-pandemic.

  • 3

    The average incident StUD diagnosis rate rose from 5.18 per 100,000 pre-pandemic to 6.21 per 100,000 post-pandemic, marking a 19.9% increase.

  • 4

    The increase in incident StUD diagnoses post-pandemic was not statistically significant, indicating a need for more comprehensive data.

  • 5

    The study emphasizes the importance of linked data to better understand StUD incidence and inform healthcare services for affected individuals.

Original Source(s)

Trends of incident stimulant use disorder diagnoses before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia (2013-2024): a population-based study

  • by Roshni Desai, Kevin Hu, Bin Zhao, Shania Au, Xuan Chen, Mallory Flynn, Mike Irvine, Hind Sbihi, Brooke Kinniburgh, Kali-Olt Sedgemore, Kirsten Marchand, Sofia Bartlett, Naveed Janjua, Alexis Crabtree, Heather Palis

  • May 7, 2026

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