Qualitative assessment of crisis services among persons using injection drugs in the city of Saskatoon

Abstract

Objectives: Injection drug users (IDUs) are a population that exhibit poor utilization of health services, despite having a greater need for health care than people who do not use drugs. Although several studies have reported reasons for poor utilization, these investigations are usually carried out in large urban centres or outside of Canada. The purpose of this investigation is to examine barriers to accessing care for IDUs in the small urban centre of Saskatoon, Canada.Methods: Data were collected through group discussions and interviews with IDUs in Saskatoon. Two group discussions were held with a total of 13 adults, and 12 youth IDUs were individually interviewed. Qualitative content analysis was performed to determine major themes.Results: Five barriers to care were identified by participants: poor communication with health services; lack of system resources and restrictive policies; insufficient financial resources; discrimination and stigmatization; and social support. Conversely, there were many services that participants found helpful during times of crisis.Conclusion: Many barriers to service access were identified by IDUs. In order to achieve a more complete understanding of access to services in Saskatoon, views of health service providers will be examined in the future.