Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
Despite being critical to reducing the impacts of poverty internationally, synchronized monthly government income assistance payments are linked to intensified drug use and associated harms, including disrupted access to substance use-related services. This study evaluates whether alternative income assistance distribution schedules improve harm reduction (HR), pharmacotherapy and substance use service utilization
Findings/Key points
Modifying payments schedules demonstrate improved access to overall substance use services, and reduced barriers to HR and pharmacotherapy around income assistance payments. However, increased overall barriers to HR access were also shown. These complex, predominantly beneficial findings support the exploration of offering alternative payment schedules to support service access.
Design/methods
This exploratory, parallel group, unblinded, randomized controlled trial analyzed data from adults (n = 192) in Vancouver, Canada receiving income assistance, and reporting active, regular illicit drug use. Participants were randomly assigned on a 1:2:2 basis for six income assistance payment cycles to: (1) existing government schedules (control); (2) a “staggered” single monthly payment; or (3) “split & staggered” twice-monthly payments.
