Harm Reduction

Question 1

How would you define harm reduction?

Answer 1

A strategy directed towards individuals or groups that aims to reduce the farm associated with certain behaviours.

Question 2

What are the goals of harm reduction strategies, for example with drug use?

Answer 2

To reduce adverse consequences, not to eliminate the effective behaviour. It emphasises the measurement of health, social and economic outcomes.

Example: safe injection sites, tolerating the use of drugs but decreasing blood born infections (mean reduction in HIV)

Question 3

Why is harm reduction a preferred method?

Answer 3

It is inclusive
There is good evidence from the adult literature that it decreases morbidity and mortality
Often have a greater impact on overall sociomedical health

Question 4

Why would harm reduction work in adolescents?

Answer 4

It is congruent with adolescent development. Adolescence is a time of experimentation and risk taking. Adolescents often reject authority and strive for atoning in their decision making. Young people engage in behaviours that have potentially negative outcomes.

Question 5

Do adolescents trust health care practitioners?

Answer 5

Yes.

This is why incorporating Hearn reduction strategies and information into their clinical work does work.

Question 6

What does the CPS recommend for harm reduction?

Answer 6

• screen all adolescents and pre-adolescents got risky behaviours
• provide message that encourage delay in risky behaviours and, at the same time, promote risk reduction strategies.
• use principles of motivational interviewing to assess and discuss risk
• be familiar re resources
• advocate for risk reduction behaviours which are evidence based into schools and communities