A peer-led mobile outreach program and increased utilization of detoxification and residential drug treatment among female sex workers who use drugs in a Canadian setting

Drug Alcohol Depend. 2011 Jan 1;113(1):46-54. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.07.007. Epub 2010 Aug 21.

Abstract

Background: The objectives of this study were to examine the determinants of using a peer-led mobile outreach program (the Mobile Access Project [MAP]) among a sample of street-based female sex workers (FSWs) who use drugs in an urban Canadian setting and evaluate the relationship between program exposure and utilizing addiction treatment services.

Methods: A detailed questionnaire was administered at baseline and bi-annual follow-up visits over 18 months (2006-2008) to 242 FSWs in Vancouver, Canada. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression with generalized estimating equations for both objectives, reporting unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Over 18 months, 42.2% (202) reports of peer-led mobile outreach program use were made. High-risk women, including those servicing a higher weekly client volume (10+ compared to <10; AOR: 1.7, 95%CIs: 1.1-2.6) and those soliciting clients in deserted, isolated settings (AOR: 1.7, 95%CIs: 1.1-2.7) were more likely to use the program. In total, 9.4% (45) reports of using inpatient addiction treatment services were made (7.5% detoxification; 4.0% residential drug treatment), and 33.6% (161) using outpatient treatment (28.8% methadone; 9.6% alcohol/drug counsellor). Women who used the peer-led mobile outreach were more likely to use inpatient addiction treatment (AOR: 4.2, 95%CIs: 2.1-8.1), even after adjusting for drug use, environmental-structural factors, and outpatient drug treatment.

Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that FSWs at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections and violence are more likely to access this peer-led mobile outreach program and suggest that the program plays a critical role in facilitating utilization of detoxification and residential drug treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Community-Institutional Relations*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Methadone / therapeutic use*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment*
  • Peer Group
  • Residential Treatment
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sex Work*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / rehabilitation*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Violence

Substances

  • Methadone