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Do Crack Smoking Practices Change With the Introduction of Safer Crack Kits?

  • Quantitative Research
  • Published:
Canadian Journal of Public Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

Crack smoking has increased in Vancouver despite the harms associated with its use. Many people who smoke crack share their equipment, thereby increasing their risk for infectious disease. This project explored the effects of outreach distribution of “safer crack kits” on smoking practices.

Methods

Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted, the first prior to kit distribution and the second a year later. Participants were individuals who smoked crack and lived in Vancouver’s inner city. Crack smoking practices and use of items in the crack kit were documented.

Results

The results of the second survey (i.e., following 12 months of kit distribution) showed an increase in availability and use of safer use items; mouthpieces and condoms provided in the kit were used by 79% and 59% of recipients, respectively. Unsafe practices were reported post distribution: although 42% used brass screens, the majority reported that they usually used Brillo®; over 40% of respondents reported using syringe plungers to scrape crack resin; and participants reported sharing crack-use paraphernalia.

Conclusion

While kit distribution made safer use items more accessible, its impact on safer use practice was limited. Our findings highlight the need for targeted distribution of safer use items. Future research should explore the dynamics of unsafe crack smoking practices and ways to leverage safer use messaging.

Résumé

Objectifs

La consommation de crack augmente à Vancouver malgré les dangers de cette pratique. Beaucoup de fumeurs de crack partagent leurs accessoires, ce qui accroît leur risque de contracter des maladies infectieuses. Nous avons voulu étudier les effets sur la consommation de crack de la distribution de « kits-crack » (trousses pour un usage plus sécuritaire du crack).

Méthode

Nous avons mené deux enquêtes transversales, la première avant la distribution des trousses et la seconde un an plus tard. Les participants étaient des fumeurs de crack vivant dans les quartiers déshérités du centre-ville de Vancouver. Nous avons collecté des informations sur la consommation de crack et l’utilisation des accessoires de la trousse.

Résultats

Les résultats de la seconde enquête (12 mois après la distribution des trousses) font état d’une hausse de la disponibilité et de l’utilisation d’accessoires de consommation à moindre risque; les embouts et les condoms contenus dans la trousse étaient utilisés par 79 % et 59 % des destinataires, respectivement. Des pratiques non sécuritaires ont été déclarées même après la distribution des trousses: bien que 42 % des usagers emploient une grille en cuivre, la majorité ont dit qu’ils se servaient habituellement d’un Brillo®; plus de 40 % des répondants ont dit utiliser des pistons de seringues pour gratter la résine de crack; et les participants ont dit partager leurs accessoires.

Conclusion

La distribution des trousses a facilité l’accès aux accessoires de consommation à moindre risque, mais elle n’a eu qu’un impact limité sur les pratiques de consommation à moindre risque. Nos constatations soulignent le besoin d’une distribution ciblée d’accessoires de consommation à moindre risque. Les études futures devraient explorer la dynamique des pratiques non sécuritaires de consommation de crack et les moyens de donner plus de poids aux messages sur la consommation à moindre risque.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nursing and Health Behaviour Research Unit, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, 302–6190 Agronomy Rd., BC V6T 1Z3, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Leslie A. Malchy MSc

  2. School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Vicky Bungay PhD & Joy L. Johnson PhD

  3. School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Jane Buxton MD

Authors
  1. Leslie A. Malchy MSc
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  2. Vicky Bungay PhD
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  3. Joy L. Johnson PhD
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  4. Jane Buxton MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Leslie A. Malchy MSc.

Additional information

Acknowledgement of Sources of Support: This research was made possible by funds from Health Canada. Conflict of Interest: None to declare.

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Malchy, L.A., Bungay, V., Johnson, J.L. et al. Do Crack Smoking Practices Change With the Introduction of Safer Crack Kits?. Can J Public Health 102, 188–191 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404893

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404893

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