Qualitative Evaluation of a Drug Compassion Club in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Bowles Jeanette, Nyx Eris, Kalicum Jeremy, Kerr Thomas
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
Does operating a drug compassion club reduce overdose risk and improve health outcomes for its members?
Conclusion
The drug compassion club appears to reduce self-reported overdose risk and improve the health and social wellbeing of its members.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants reported no overdoses from drugs sourced at the compassion club.
- Members expressed a strong sense of community and trust in the staff.
- Participants noted improvements in health and safety since joining the club.
Takeaway
A group in Canada sold safe drugs to help people avoid overdoses, and everyone who bought from them felt safer and healthier.
Methodology
Qualitative interviews with 16 members of the compassion club using a semi-structured interview guide.
Potential Biases
Potential social desirability bias and interviewer bias.
Limitations
The sample size is small, and the data cannot be made available due to ethical reasons.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"woman":6,"man":8,"non-binary":2},"average_age":48.21,"race_ethnicity":{"indigenous":9,"white":10,"other":3},"housing":{"private_rental":6,"sro_public":6,"sro_private":3,"homeless":1}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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