20. Creating space for immigrant communities to speak up and build solutions to address substance use and addiction in Regina, Saskatchewan.
October 21, 2022 2022-11-02 2:0320. Creating space for immigrant communities to speak up and build solutions to address substance use and addiction in Regina, Saskatchewan.
20. Creating space for immigrant communities to speak up and build solutions to address substance use and addiction in Regina, Saskatchewan.
20. Creating space for immigrant communities to speak up and build solutions to address substance use and addiction in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Geoffrey Maina, RN, PhD; University of Saskatchewan; Canada
Jordan Sherstobitoff, RN, MN student; University of Saskatchewan; Canada
Razawa Maroof, MD; Regina Community Clinic; Canada
Thea Herzog, BSN MN; University of Saskatchewan; Canada
Learning objectives:
- Describe the process of community engagement and knowledge exchange with immigrant stakeholders on substance use and addiction among recent immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Discuss the outcome and lessons learned from community engagement and knowledge exchange with immigrant stakeholders on substance use and addiction among recent immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan. - Explore qualitative research that explores the implementation of these interventions, as well as the perception of alcohol consumption, stress and the pandemic.
Abstract:
Abstract Background: Anecdotal reports from community partners providing services to newcomers in Regina indicate a noticeable increase in substance use among the newcomer population. The impact of substance use among the immigrant community in Saskatchewan is not known as there are no statistics to describe its scope. Aim of the study: We applied and received a connection grant from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) to mobilize immigrant communities in Regina to explore substance use issues and their impact on the community. Methods: A zoom knowledge-sharing event brought together 22 stakeholders in settlement agencies to deliberate on substance use and addiction facing newcomers in Regina, Saskatchewan. Presentations on immigrants and substance use from the clinical, community and lived experience perspectives were made, followed by a panel of Substance use priorities for the immigrant population in Regina. Results and discussion: The community consultation process revealed that acculturation stress and ease of availability of socially acceptable substances are fuelling substance use and addiction among newcomers in Regina. There is a lack of programs to prevent and reduce risks for substance use among this population. Those who develop an addiction experience personal, systemic and cultural barriers that hinder access to care and treatment. Conclusion: To address the concerns raised during the community engagement process, a team comprising of knowledge users, people with lived experiences, service providers and researchers applied and received the SHRF solutions grant. This grant will build community partners’ capacity to respond to substance use and addiction issues identified in the community consultation process.
