Clinical Research Directory

Tobacco-Concurrent Addictions in At-Risk Youth in Ottawa

Sponsor: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Summary

According to the 2015 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS), there has been a significant increase in the number of secondary school youth who use poly-substances. Not all youth have the same risk for problematic substance use. Health literature documents a high level of comorbidity between mental health and substance use, which is exacerbated in homeless youth populations. Therefore, the proposed study will focus on understanding poly-substance use among at-risk homeless school youth. As seen in substance use research and the PROMPT (2016) study (Participatory Research in Ottawa: Management and Point-of-Care for Tobacco Dependence, PI: Dr. Smita Pakhale), reduction and quitting of one substance (tobacco smoking) can lead to the reduction and quitting of other poly-substance use. A Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) approach can help at-risk youth feel safe and comfortable enough to provide personal information about their poly-substance use and engagement with treatment or harm reduction programs. This project will be a first step in increasing health equity among at-risk homeless youth in Downtown Ottawa. The investigators aim to follow a group of at-risk youth to while providing an appropriately modified PROMPT intervention, including peers support and a licensed mental health and substance use nurse.

Official title: Tobacco Concurrent Addictions in At-Risk Youth in Ottawa: A Mixed Methods Community-Based Participatory Action Research Project (TCAY- Ottawa)

Key Details

Conditions

Locations (1)