Summary findings from Tracks surveys implemented by First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, 2018–2020

• Published in: Canada Communicable Disease Report
• Main Authors: Lydon-Hassen, Kathleen, Jonah, Leigh, Mayotte, Lisa, Hrabowy, Ashley, Graham, Bonny, Missens, Beverley, Nelson, Amanda, Andkhoie, Mustafa, Nahachewsky, Deana, Yalamanchili, Dharma Teja, Gupta, Sabyasachi, Ndubuka, Nnamdi, Khan, Ibrahim, Yacoub, Wadieh, Bryson, Maggie, Paquette, Dana
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Public Health Agency of Canada 2022
• Subjects: Survey; Canada; Indian; First Nations; inuit
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9017804/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35480707; https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v48i04a05

BACKGROUND: The Public Health Agency of Canada’s integrated bio-behavioural surveillance system—Tracks surveys—assesses the burden of HIV, hepatitis C and associated risks in key populations in Canada. From 2018–2020, Tracks surveys were successfully implemented by First Nations Health Services Organizations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. METHODS: First Nations-led survey teams invited community members who identified as First Nations, Inuit or Métis to participate in Tracks surveys and testing for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis. Information was collected on social determinants of health, use of prevention services, substance use, sexual behaviours and care for HIV and hepatitis C. Descriptive statistics are presented. RESULTS: Of the 1,828 survey participants, 97.4% self-identified as First Nations and 91.4% lived in an on-reserve community. Over half (52.2%) were cisgender female, average age was 36.3 years, 82.5% lived in stable housing, 82% had access to primary healthcare and 73.8% reported having good to excellent mental health. Most participants (97%) had a family member who had experienced residential school. High proportions experienced stigma and discrimination (65.6%), financial strain (64.3%) and abuse in childhood (65.1%). Testing for HIV (62.8%) and hepatitis C (55.3%) was relatively high. Prevalence of HIV was 1.6% (of whom 64% knew their infection status). Hepatitis C ribonucleic acid prevalence was 5% (44.9% of whom knew their current infection status). CONCLUSION: Historical and ongoing experiences of trauma, and higher prevalence of hepatitis C were identified, reaffirming evidence of the ongoing legacies of colonialism, Indian Residential Schools and systemic racism. High participation in sexually transmitted blood-borne infection testing and prevention reflect the importance of First Nations-led culturally sensitive, safe and responsive healthcare services and programs to effect improved outcomes for First Nations peoples.