“I FEEL LIKE I NEED TO GO BACK TO MY VILLAGE, BUT WHERE’S MY VILLAGE?” A PHOTOVOICE EXPLORATION OF THE EXPERIENCES OF HARM REDUCTION FROM COMMUNITY YOUTH IN SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN
Date
2023-02-17
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0003-1356-8255
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Background: While a singular, conclusive definition of harm reduction does not exist, the vast majority of harm reduction literature focuses on the historical roots of harm reduction, specifically related to substance use. Harm reduction is ultimately about meeting people where they are at in their health journey and supporting them in their path toward well-being. This health journey could look different for everyone, indicating the necessity for a range of supports such as nutrition, housing, hygiene, health care, health education, counselors, and cultural support. However, what is often missing from discussions about harm reduction are the perspectives of youth.
Objective: The present study explored youth experiences of harm reduction from the perspective of urban Community Youth in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The present study examined the supports and barriers these youth encounter in taking up harm reduction for themselves or to support their loved ones (e.g., friends, family members, significant others).
Methods: This community-based, phenomenological study was conducted in collaboration with Chokecherry Studios, The Students Commission of Canada, and a Youth Advisory Committee. Using a snowball sampling strategy, four youth between the ages of 18-23 who live in Saskatoon were recruited. Participants captured photographs that represented their experiences with seeking harm reduction for themselves or their loved ones and participated in either two group or one-on-one interviews to discuss their experiences concerning the photographs.
Results: Results indicate five superordinate themes best accounted for participant interpretations of their experiences: (Supports) Seeking Support, Meeting Basic Needs, and Harms Reducing Harms; (Barriers) Community Disconnection and Stigma. Together, these themes represent how Community Youth were supported and impeded in their uptake of harm reduction.
Discussion: Implications of findings contribute to a wider understanding of harm reduction, acknowledging the historical basis that substance use has in harm reduction, while moving towards a wider, more comprehensive understanding of how harm, harm reduction, and harm reduction uptake are experienced by Community Youth in their everyday lives.
Description
Keywords
Harm, Harm Reduction, Harm Reduction Uptake
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Community Health and Epidemiology
Program
Community and Population Health Science