Introduction
Saskatchewan is facing a serious public health challenge due to high rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, especially among people who use drugs. Injection drug use greatly contributes to this syndemic, worsened by structural issues like stigma, poverty, and limited access to culturally safe healthcare. There is an urgent need for innovative, community-informed strategies to enhance prevention, testing, and linkage to care.
Methods and Analysis
This study will introduce a rapid assessment and response system in Regina, Saskatchewan, combining geospatial mapping of needle prevalence with mobile pop-up interventions. Needle hotspot maps will direct community pop-up events that provide point-of-care testing for HIV, syphilis, and HCV, along with education on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
A convergent participatory mixed-methods design will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the interventions, guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.
- Quantitative data will track changes in PrEP and PEP knowledge, participant satisfaction, new diagnoses, and demographic details.
- A qualitative substudy involving 30 participants will explore experiences with the intervention, barriers to care, and views on service delivery.
"Needle hotspot maps will guide the deployment of community-based pop-up events offering point-of-care testing for HIV, syphilis and HCV, alongside education on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP)."
This mixed-methods approach aims to address intertwined infections with targeted, community-driven efforts in an area heavily impacted by injection drug use.
Author’s summary: This protocol outlines a community-focused study combining geospatial needle mapping and pop-up clinics to improve detection and prevention of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C in Regina, Saskatchewan.