OVERVIEW

The At-Risk Youth Study (ARYS) is a multi-year study of street-involved youth being conducted by researchers at the BC Centre on Substance Use. The study was established in 2005 to explore the individual, social, economic, and environmental factors that influence the health and well-being of street-involved youth who use drugs in Vancouver. Through interviewer-administered surveys, ARYS has recruited over 1,500 youth and aims to actively follow 500 participants at any one time.

During their first study visit and semi-annually, participants receive a health consultation with a nurse and complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire asks about demographic data as well as information about: drug use patterns; access to health and social services; interactions with police and engagement in the criminal justice system; mental health; and HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk behaviour including sexual practices and risks related to drug use. All participants have access to harm reduction education, risk counselling, and supplies; and referrals to community resources and services.

OBJECTIVES

The overarching objective of the study is to provide information necessary to evaluate current policies, programs and services and recommend interventions and policy changes that will improve the health and well-being of this high-risk and traditionally under-served group.

In addition to the study goals, ARYS:

• Provides a safe and comfortable environment for youth to take a break from the streets. The ARYS drop-in includes coffee, food, television, and a free phone;
• Provides a confidential space where youth can talk to a nurse or study staff to obtain information and support with accessing health and social services;
• Provides optional STI testing and treatment; and
• Provides information and consultation to community members, service providers, and healthcare workers involved in supporting youth who may have difficulty accessing health and social services.

ARYS Community Research Associates

ARYS includes a team of Community Research Associates (CRAs). ARYS CRAs receive training and contribute to ARYS study outreach and recruitment, research question development, interpretation of data analyses, and knowledge mobilization. The inclusion of CRAs directly informs ARYS research priorities and shapes engagement. CRAs contribute as co-authors on publications and co-investigators on grants. CRAs also work to strengthen ARYS’ community connections by establishing and maintaining improved communication between ARYS, study participants, and community organizations. Among the CRAs’ strengths is the lived experience and passion they bring to this work, coupled with a strong desire to promote and protect the health and rights of at-risk and street-involved youth. CRAs participate in community meetings and presentations, help to develop language for new questions in the ARYS questionnaire, interpret study findings, and collaborate on manuscripts and reports.

PARTNERS (PAST AND PRESENT)

• Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
• Watari Counselling & Support Services Society
• First Nations Health Authority
• BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Canadian Drug Policy Coalition

FUNDERS (PAST AND PRESENT)

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• SickKids Foundation
• National Killam Program
• CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health
• CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research

INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT ARYS?

To learn more about ARYS or participate in the study, please contact us or visit our office.

Phone: (604) 687-2797
Toll-free: 1 (877) 244-5744
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1265 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2B4
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00am–5:30pm (closed 12:00-1:00pm for lunch)
OR
Address: 611 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1H2
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arysproject

Who can participate?

Youth are eligible for ARYS if they:

• Are between ages 14 and 26
• Have used illegal drugs in the last month*
• Are street-involved
• Are able to provide informed consent

* We are also interested in speaking to youth who have experience using prescription opiates non-medically.

What does the study involve?

• Health consultation with a nurse
• Interviewer-administered questionnaire including topics such as: demographics, drug use, HIV and STI risk behaviour, interactions with the criminal justice system, and access to health and social services
• STI testing and treatment (optional)
• After the initial visit, follow-up interviews are conducted every 6 months
• All participants are given $50 for each study visit as a thank you for their participation
• The study is completely confidential