Impact of Welfare Cheque Issue Days on Sobering Unit Admissions
Author Information
Author(s): Li Xin, Sun Huiying, Marsh David C, Anis Aslam H
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
The level of substance use in the community is driven by the date of welfare payments.
Conclusion
The study found significant increases in admissions to the Sobering Unit following 'Welfare Wednesday'.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant increases in admissions were observed on the days following 'Welfare Wednesday'.
- The majority of clients were discharged the same day they were admitted.
- Admissions peaked on 'Welfare Wednesday' and the following days.
- Previous studies indicated similar patterns of increased health service utilization after welfare payments.
Takeaway
When people get their welfare cheques, more of them end up needing help for being drunk in public.
Methodology
Data on 1234 admissions over a 7-month period were analyzed using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test.
Potential Biases
The results may not be generalizable to other settings.
Limitations
The study cannot isolate other forms of payment from welfare payments and was conducted at a single sobering unit.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 40, with 80% male participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 5.71–11.72
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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