Understanding the Effects of Public Health Measures During COVID-19 on People Who Use Opioids and Service Providers Caring for Them Within Ontario, Canada

Abstract

The aim of this research is to understand the impact of COVID 19 PHMs from the perspectives of PWUOs and service providers (SPs), while also examining the factors influencing policy decisions related to PHMs and their effects on PWUOs and SPs within a region of Ontario, Canada. Qualitative methodologies using interpretive descriptive approaches—specifically reflexive thematic analysis—to develop themes derived from semi structured interviews with PWUOs and SPs residing within a region of Ontario. An interpretive policy analysis was conducted using the 3I+E framework to elucidate factors influencing policy decisions related to PHMs and their effects on PWUOs and SPs during the first ten months of the pandemic. . Three overarching themes emerged: 1. PHMs worsened conditions for PWUOs residing within NSM; 2. Inequities resulting from the sentiment of the “greater good”; and 3. Failing to learn. Issues of stigma, increased vulnerability, and disparity—and the interplay of a syndemic response—became evident in the themes. Overall, this research may play an important role in informing and preventing similar responses—and resultant harm—for this population in future public health emergencies. There are implications for policy, practice and research evident through the research findings