Three infections, one fight: Implementation study protocol
Introduction
Saskatchewan is experiencing a public health crisis with high rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, especially among people who use drugs. Injection drug use significantly drives these overlapping epidemics. Structural challenges such as stigma, poverty, and limited culturally appropriate healthcare worsen the situation. 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, Canada. It combines geospatial mapping of community needle prevalence with pop-up interventions.
- Needle hotspot maps will direct the deployment of community pop-up events.
- Pop-up events will offer point-of-care testing for HIV, syphilis, and HCV.
- Events will also provide education on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The study uses a convergent participatory mixed-methods design, evaluated through the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.
- Quantitative data will measure changes in PrEP and PEP knowledge, participant satisfaction, new diagnoses, and demographics.
- A qualitative substudy involving 30 participants will explore experiences with the intervention, barriers to care, and perceptions of service delivery.
"This study will implement a rapid assessment and response system in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, integrating geospatial mapping of community needle prevalence with pop-up interventions."
Author's summary: This study addresses intersecting infections in Regina by combining needle mapping with community-led pop-up testing and education to improve prevention and care access.