| dc.description.abstract | Mental health and well-being are a worldwide concern, especially in the last couple of
years. From late 2020 to early 2022, high self-rated mental health decreased in Canadians aged 12
or older from 64% to 58% (Statistics Canada, 2022). Also, it was found that 25% of Canadians (18
or above) were found positive on at least one of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress
disorder in spring 2021, compared to 21% in fall 2020 (Statistics Canada, 2021). This indicates a
serious problem and a need for immediate interventions. Moreover, the close relationship between
MHD and substance use disorders (SUD) was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. One
in three Canadians with MHDs who also drink alcohol reported an increase of their drinking to
problematic levels (Mental Health Commission of Canada & Canadian Centre on Substance Use,
2020). Similarly, the prevalence of problematic alcohol use in 2021 was found to be 21% among
the general population and 39% among the low income population, compared to 38% and 52% of
problematic cannabis use, respectively (Canadian Centre on Substance Use & Canadian Centre on
Substance Use, 2021). SUDs have many harmful consequences on health and quality of life, like
road traffic accidents, domestic violence, child abuse, and various health problems (McLellan,
2017). A SUD-related crisis is one of the most common issues managed in the emergency
department; approximately 20% of emergency department cases involve substance use (Brubacher
et al., 2008). Northwestern Ontario, including Thunder Bay, has a high proportion of SUD-related
health problems, which puts a higher burden on the health care system (TBDHU, 2017).
Consequently, SUDs are also commonly found in the psychiatric and critical care wards, in
addition to the emergency department (personal communication with Thunder Bay Regional
Hospital’s nurses). [...] | en_US |
