Canadians’ opioid awareness: an analysis across multiple demographics

Abstract

Canada is currently experiencing an opioid crisis that leads to many Canadian deaths each year. The present study is a quantitative analysis of data collected through Statistics Canada’s Survey on Opioid Awareness (2017). Participants (N= 5,116) answered questions related to their awareness of several topics including: the opioid issue in Canada, their personal opioid use, appropriate overdose response, sharing opioids, harm reduction services, and general information related to opioid use. These topics have been divided into 2 main scales: Awareness of Safe Opioid Use and Awareness of General Information Related to Opioid Use (6 items; r = 0.87). Factor analysis revealed 3 subscales within the first scale, Awareness of Safe Opioid Use. These subscales are Awareness of Appropriate Overdose Response (4 items; r = 0.75), Awareness of Related to Sharing Opioids (3 items; r = 0.63), and Awareness of Harm Reduction Services (3 items; r = 0.69). 3 in 10 participants reported using opioids in the past five years. The majority of those who used opioids were female (57.10% female vs. 42.90% male). Women also report being more aware of appropriate overdose response (54.41% female vs. 45.59% male). 80% of participants reported being at least somewhat aware that there is currently an opioid issue in Canada. Participants over the age of 80 are significantly less aware of general information related to opioid use and appropriate overdose response than most age groups. Residents of Quebec report significantly less opioid use in last five years as well as lower levels of awareness of general information related to opioid use than most provinces. Residents of British Columbia reported being significantly more aware of general information related to opioid use and appropriate overdose response. These findings provide insight into which Canadian populations have the greatest need for information related to opioid use and overdose.