Canada Communicable Disease Report (Apr 2022)

Summary findings from Tracks surveys implemented by First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, 2018–2020

  • Kathleen Lydon-Hassen,
  • Leigh Jonah,
  • Lisa Mayotte,
  • Ashley Hrabowy,
  • Bonny Graham,
  • Beverley Missens,
  • Amanda Nelson,
  • Mustafa Andkhoie,
  • Deana Nahachewsky,
  • Dharma Teja Yalamanchili,
  • Sabyasachi Gupta,
  • Nnamdi Ndubuka,
  • Ibrahim Khan,
  • Wadieh Yacoub,
  • Maggie Bryson,
  • Dana Paquette

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v48i04a05
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 48, no. 4
pp. 146 – 156

Abstract

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Background: The Public Health Agency of Canada’s integrated bio-behavioural surveillance system—Tracks surveys—assesses the burden of HIV, hepatitis C and associated risks in key populations in Canada. From 2018–2020, Tracks surveys were successfully implemented by First Nations Health Services Organizations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Methods: First Nations-led survey teams invited community members who identified as First Nations, Inuit or Métis to participate in Tracks surveys and testing for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis. Information was collected on social determinants of health, use of prevention services, substance use, sexual behaviours and care for HIV and hepatitis C. Descriptive statistics are presented. Results: Of the 1,828 survey participants, 97.4% self-identified as First Nations and 91.4% lived in an on-reserve community. Over half (52.2%) were cisgender female, average age was 36.3 years, 82.5% lived in stable housing, 82% had access to primary healthcare and 73.8% reported having good to excellent mental health. Most participants (97%) had a family member who had experienced residential school. High proportions experienced stigma and discrimination (65.6%), financial strain (64.3%) and abuse in childhood (65.1%). Testing for HIV (62.8%) and hepatitis C (55.3%) was relatively high. Prevalence of HIV was 1.6% (of whom 64% knew their infection status). Hepatitis C ribonucleic acid prevalence was 5% (44.9% of whom knew their current infection status). Conclusion: Historical and ongoing experiences of trauma, and higher prevalence of hepatitis C were identified, reaffirming evidence of the ongoing legacies of colonialism, Indian Residential Schools and systemic racism. High participation in sexually transmitted blood-borne infection testing and prevention reflect the importance of First Nations-led culturally sensitive, safe and responsive healthcare services and programs to effect improved outcomes for First Nations peoples.

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