Is expected substance type associated with timing of drug checking service utilization?: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Drug checking is a harm reduction intervention aiming to reduce substance use-related risks by improving drug user knowledge of the composition unregulated drugs. With increasing fears fentanyl adulteration in drugs, this study sought examine whether expected type checked (stimulant vs. opioid) was associated with timing service utilization (pre-consumption post-consumption). Methods Data were derived from sites British Columbia between October 31, 2017 and December 2019. Pearson’s Chi-square test used relationship sample utilization. Odds ratios (OR) calculated assess strength relationship. The Mantel–Haenszel (MH) adjust for location. Results A total 3561 unique stimulant opioid samples eligible inclusion, including 691 (19.40%) samples; 2222 (62.40%) that tested pre-consumption. indicated positive association testing pre-consumption (OR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.21–1.73). Regions outside epicenter province’s scene showed stronger MH 2.33; 1.51–3.56) than inside 1.33; 1.09–1.63). Conclusion Stimulant more likely be as compared samples, regions scene. This pattern may reflect concern fentanyl-adulterated