Grant: Doctoral Research Award -PA: Research in First Nations, Métis &/or Inuit Health
Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
$108,000.00
Evaluating an on-reserve methadone maintenance therapy program for First Nations peoples
FY 2015-16
Summary
82% of First Nations people rate alcohol and drugs as the most significant issue faced by their community. Evidence suggests that First Nations clients better utilize culturally relevant services and these services show superior outcomes. To assess culturally relevant treatment for opioid addiction for First Nations communities within Canada we have partnered with an on-reserve addiction treatment centre. This treatment centre is currently the only one of its kind in Canada.
This methadone maintenance program was developed in response to health and safety issues faced by local residents, including limited access to services, as well as high rates of HIV and opioid dependence among community members. Preliminary evaluation of the program indicated that 80% of clients decreased drug use and high-risk behaviours, 70% improved their housing condition, and 77% improved their family support since admission to the program.
Preliminary evidence suggests that this program is effectively reducing substance use among clients and improving access to services among First Nations people experiencing opioid-related harms. However, to date, a comprehensive evaluation of this program with a comparison group has not been completed. A thorough investigation into the differences between those receiving treatment and those awaiting treatment may help demonstrate the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
The purpose of this study is to compare First Nations clients on a methadone program with a wait list group of clients on a number of indicators including things like criminal activity involvement, drug use, employment status, physical and mental health, and quality of life. It is estimated that those in the therapy program will have lower criminal activity involvement and drug use, and greater employment status, physical and mental health, and quality of life compared to those awaiting treatment, and that those in treatment will improve each month they are in treatment.
Department
Program
Doctoral Research Award -PA: Research in First Nations, Métis &/or Inuit Health
Location
Ontario, Canada
Type
Grant
Source
CIHR Funding Decisions Database
As published
Id
338285
Name
Marshall Nicole
Region
Ontario
Country
Canada
Orgtype
Institution Paid; Research Institution
Instname2
Indigenous Peoples' Health
Theme2
Health systems / services
Prcname2
Doctoral Research Awards - B
Projecttitle
Evaluating an on-reserve methadone maintenance therapy program for First Nations peoples
Programtype2
Studentship Programs
Orgnameinp2
Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
Cihramount2
$108,000
Cihrequipment2
$0
Programname2
Doctoral Research Award -PA: Research in First Nations, Métis &/or Inuit Health
Keyworddelim
Aboriginal; Addiction; Culturally Relevant Treatment; First Nations; Health Services; Methadone Maintenance Therapy; Opioid Abuse; Opioid Dependence Treatment; Program Evaluation; Substance Use
Abstract
82% of First Nations people rate alcohol and drugs as the most significant issue faced by their community. Evidence suggests that First Nations clients better utilize culturally relevant services and these services show superior outcomes. To assess culturally relevant treatment for opioid addiction for First Nations communities within Canada we have partnered with an on-reserve addiction treatment centre. This treatment centre is currently the only one of its kind in Canada.
This methadone maintenance program was developed in response to health and safety issues faced by local residents, including limited access to services, as well as high rates of HIV and opioid dependence among community members. Preliminary evaluation of the program indicated that 80% of clients decreased drug use and high-risk behaviours, 70% improved their housing condition, and 77% improved their family support since admission to the program.
Preliminary evidence suggests that this program is effectively reducing substance use among clients and improving access to services among First Nations people experiencing opioid-related harms. However, to date, a comprehensive evaluation of this program with a comparison group has not been completed. A thorough investigation into the differences between those receiving treatment and those awaiting treatment may help demonstrate the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
The purpose of this study is to compare First Nations clients on a methadone program with a wait list group of clients on a number of indicators including things like criminal activity involvement, drug use, employment status, physical and mental health, and quality of life. It is estimated that those in the therapy program will have lower criminal activity involvement and drug use, and greater employment status, physical and mental health, and quality of life compared to those awaiting treatment, and that those in treatment will improve each month they are in treatment.
Competitiondate
201510
Approvedterm2
3 yrs 0 mth
Pinamesdelim
Marshall, Nicole
Approvedterm
3 ans 0 mois
Cihrcontribution2
~ $108,000~ $0~
