SRHR Aspiration Research Cluster Publications

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The youth-led research giving voice to teen mothers in Uganda
(The Conversation, 2024) Kakuru, Doris M.; Nassimbwa, Jacqueline
Motherhood in adolescence: Voices from the margins
(Centering Marginal Voices Project, University of Victoria, 2024) Kakuru, Doris; Kamusiime, Annah; Kyomuhendo, Grace Bantebya; Mucina, Mandeep Kaur; Nassimbwa, Jacqueline; Nabirye, Jackline; Tumuheise, Phiona; Iganga Youth; Kawempe Youth
This is report presents the results of a survey on the experiences of young mothers in Iganga (rural) and Kawempe (urban low-income locale) in Uganda. The project was implemented between April 2021 and November 2024.
Sacred Stories from the Fireweed Project: Indigenous Experiences Accessing Abortion in Canada
(Fireweed Project, 2025) Paul, Willow; Monchalin, Renée; Pérez Piñán, Astrid V.; Wells, Madison; Ferguson, Crea
Prior to colonization, land-based medicines were used to prevent or end a pregnancy. However, this knowledge was disregarded and made illegal by settlers. Today, Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) face barriers to accessing quality abortion care. This video, created by ‪Fuselight Creative, is inspired by the lived experiences of Indigenous women, Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ folks who shared their story with the Fireweed Project.
Associations between extreme weather events and resource insecurities with HIV vulnerabilities and biomedical HIV prevention outcomes among adolescent girls and young women in Kenya: A cross-sectional analysis
(Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 2025) Logie, Carmen H.; Admassu, Zerihun; Hasham, Aryssa; Evelia, Humphres; Kagunda, Julia; Omondi, Beldine; Gachoki, Clara; Chege, Mercy; Gittings, Lesley; Dorea, Caetano; Turan, Janet M.; Mwangi, Mumbi; Mbuagbaw, Lawrence
Objectives: We examined associations between extreme weather events (EWE), resource insecurities, and HIV vulnerabilities among a purposive sample of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 16 to 24 in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya.Methods: We conducted multivariable logistic/linear regression on cross-sectional survey data to assess associations between EWE exposure, food insecurity (FI), water insecurity (WI), and sanitation insecurity (SI) with HIV vulnerabilities (transactional sex [TS], intimate partner violence [IPV], sexual relationship power [SRP], and preexposure prophylaxis [PrEP] awareness and acceptability).Results: Among participants (n?=?597; mean age: 20.13 years; standard deviation?=?2.5), in adjusted analyses, SI and WI were associated with increased TS. Increased cumulative EWEs and eco-anxiety were associated with increased IPV. EWE frequency, FI, and SI were associated with reduced SRP. EWE frequency and SI were associated with reduced, and WI with increased, PrEP awareness. EWE frequency and SI were associated with PrEP acceptability.Conclusion: Resource scarcities and EWEs were associated with HIV vulnerabilities and PrEP acceptability among AGYW.
Extreme weather events and refugee youths’ experiences of physical health in a Ugandan humanitarian setting: Qualitative insights
(International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 2025) Logie, Carmen H.; Leggett, Rachel; Sivan, Ofir; Mackenzie, Frannie; Okumu, Moses; Loutet, Miranda; Lukone, Simon Odong; Kisubi, Nelson; Gittings, Lesley; Otika, Lawrence; Lukwago, Moses; Dorea, Caetano; Hystad, Perry; Kyambadde, Peter
Refugee settlements globally experience increased exposure to extreme weather events (EWE) compared with host national settings; however, refugee youth climate-related health experiences in humanitarian settings are understudied. We explored the lived experiences of climate change and EWE related to physical health among refugee youth aged 16–24 in a Ugandan refugee settlement.
'Sometimes white doctors are not very friendly or inclusive’: A Critical Race Theory analysis of racism within and beyond sexual health settings
(Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2025) Hassan, Abdi; Dulai, Joshun; Stewart, MacKenzie; Ryu, Heeho; Anand, Praney; Worthington, Catherine; Gilbert, Mark; Grace, Daniel
Many Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer Black, Indigenous, people of colour in Canada encounter racism when testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Our objective in this study was to understand how racism shapes testing experiences for these communities in Ontario, Canada. Four peer researchers conducted recruitment and data collection in consultation with a community advisory board. Focus groups and interviews took place with 21 participants and their narrative accounts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants identified three interrelated issues when testing: (1) experiencing judgement and discomfort due to racism; (2) lack of community and cultural indicators in testing spaces; and (3) barriers to accessing testing centres and services. Systemic racism was linked to each of these barriers, including increased distance to testing centres due to racial segregation. Participant accounts signal the need for antiracist testing spaces and practices. Key implications include the need for antiracism training for health service providers and others working with Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer Black, Indigenous, people of colour, and the organisations that serve them, in order to make testing spaces safer. Dismantling systemic racism is imperative to achieve health equity for members of these communities.
Missed opportunities to provide sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections testing in British Columbia: An interpretive description of users’ experiences of Get Checked Online's design and implementation
(Digital Health, 2024) Iyamu, Ihoghosa; Kassam, Rosemin; Worthington, Catherine; Grace, Daniel; Pedersen, Heather; Haag, Devon; Bondyra, Mark; Salmon, Amy; Koehoorn, Mieke; Gilbert, Mark
Background Digital testing services for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), such as GetCheckedOnline, experience significant user drop-offs. For example, 32% of GetCheckedOnline users needing testing at account creation do not test, constituting missed opportunities. We explored the influence of users’ expectations and experiences of GetCheckedOnline's web design and implementation on missed opportunities. Methods This interpretive description purposively sampled 14 GetCheckedOnline users who created accounts between April 2022 and February 2023, indicated needed testing at account creation but did not test. We conducted semi-structured interviews and cognitive walkthroughs of GetCheckedOnline on Zoom, exploring participants’ expectations and experiences, including problems using the service. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analyses. Results Three themes were identified: (a) transitioning between GetCheckedOnline and laboratory services is a major testing barrier; (b) users’ appraisal of their health and social contexts is a determinant of testing through GetCheckedOnline; and (c) tailoring GetCheckedOnline's design and implementation to accommodate varying user needs can promote equitable testing. Health equity issues occurred along sociodemographic gradients as the GetCheckedOnline-laboratory transition was more onerous for older users. Users’ appraisal of their testing needs which varied by age and gender, and their assessment of time, and travel requirements for testing in remote communities influenced testing. Learning about GetCheckedOnline from healthcare providers improved testing compared with learning about the service through Google search which raised trust concerns regarding GetCheckedOnline's authenticity. Suggested improvements to promote health equity include personalized education, mail-in testing options, and simpler seamless web experiences. Conclusions To promote equitable access to digital STBBI testing services such as GetCheckedOnline, we can adapt web-design and implementation to suit user needs and contexts, ensuring simplicity and options for testing that reduce user burdens.
Water and food insecurity and linkages with physical and sexual intimate partner violence among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda: Cross-sectional survey findings
(Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 2024) Logie, Carmen H.; Okumu, Moses; Tailor, Lauren S.; Taing, Lina; Dorea, Caetano; Mbuagbaw, Lawrence; Hakiza, Robert; Kibuuka-Musoke, Daniel; Katisi, Brenda; Nakitende, Aidah; Kyambadde, Peter; MacKenzie, Frannie; Admassua, Zerihun
Water insecurity (WI) and food insecurity (FI), each associated with violence exposure, are understudied in urban humanitarian settings. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda to examine: (a) social-ecological correlates of WI, FI, and concurrent FI and WI; (b) associations between WI and FI with recent sexual and physical intimate partner violence (IPV); and (c) associations between an Index of Vulnerability (IoV) comprised of social-ecological stressors (e.g., FI, WI) and recent physical/sexual IPV. Among participants (n = 340; mean age: 21.1 years, standard deviation: 2.6) almost half (47.8%) reported WI and two-thirds (65.0%) FI. In adjusted analyses, time in Uganda, age, and insecure housing were associated with increased odds of WI and concurrent FI and WI; household toilet sharing and insecure housing were associated with increased odds of FI. In adjusted analyses, WI, concurrent FI and WI, housing insecurity, and parenthood were associated with higher sexual IPV odds. FI and parenthood were associated with increased odds of physical IPV. IoV scores were associated with physical/sexual IPV, and IoV scores accounted for more variance in physical/sexual IPV than any individual indicator. Future research can address WI and co-occurring resource insecurities to reduce gender-based water-related violence risks.
The Fireweed Project: Request to take the products of conception home
(The Fireweed Project, 2025) Pinan, Astrid Vanessa
As an Indigenous person in Canada, taking home the products of conception following my abortion strengthens my culture and traditions, in respect to health, by allowing me to fulfill ceremonial protocols with this material. I kindly request your cooperation in considering and accommodating this request in accordance with the Canadian Government's legislated UNDRIP rights.
The Fireweed Project patient handouts
(The Fireweed Project, 2025) Pérez Piñán, Astrid
These handouts support healthcare providers communicate to patients what services are offered at their facility. They were developed with Indigenous patients in mind, but can be used for all patients. These handouts help providers to neutrally communicate the policies and procedures that patients must follow in order to take the pregnancy remains, or products of conception (POC), home after an abortion (or spontaneous pregnancy loss if applicable).
Perspectives on digital testing services for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections from Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer Black, Indigenous, people of colour living in Ontario, Canada
(Ethnicity and Health, 2024) Dulai, Joshun; Hassan, Abdi; Stewart, MacKenzie; Ryu, Heeho; Anand, Praney; Worthington, Catherine; Gilbert, Mark; Grace, Daniel
Objectives Increased sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) testing can reduce the burden of disease among Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer Black, Indigenous, people of colour (2SGBTQ+ BIPOC). However, this population encounters barriers, such as discrimination, when accessing in-person STBBI testing services. Digital STBBI testing, such as self-testing/collection kits ordered online and digital requisitions, may address some of these barriers. Our aim was to understand acceptability of free digital STBBI testing among 2SGBTQ+ BIPOC living in Ontario, Canada. Design We approached this analysis using Implementation Science and Critical Race Theory. We conducted interviews and focus groups with 21 2SGBTQ?+?BIPOC individuals from 2020–2021. Participants were asked about their perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of digital STBBI testing, populations that would benefit from using these services, and recommendations for how these services may be implemented in Ontario. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Six themes emerged. Digital STBBI testing services: (1) May reduce oppression experienced by 2SGBTQ?+?BIPOC when testing in-person; (2) Should address the unique needs that 2SGBTQ?+?BIPOC experience due to other intersecting identities they possess; (3) Should adapt their services to suit the varying cultural contexts and living circumstances of 2SGBTQ?+?BIPOC; (4) Should be accessible to 2SGBTQ?+?BIPOC who hold diverse or no documentation; (5) Should be offered in multiple languages; (6) May be inaccessible to those without Internet access or devices. Conclusion Digital STBBI testing is one strategy that may reduce discrimination experienced by 2SGBTQ?+?BIPOC when getting tested in-person. However, digital STBBI testing services may not address all the needs of 2SGBTQ?+?BIPOC. Racism and other forms of oppression embedded into in-person and digital testing services will need to be addressed to meet the needs of this diverse population.
The Fireweed Project: Community report
(The Fireweed Project, 2026) Wells, Madison; Paul, Willow; Magnus, Sabrina; Ferguson, Créa; Antoine-Allan, Emma; Crane, Piyêsiw; Hardy, Shannon; Pérez Piñán, Astrid; Monchalin, Renée
Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) on Turtle Island have long held knowledge about reproductive health that focus on choice, wholistic well-being, and community-based care. Before colonization, Indigenous people used traditional methods, such as herbal medicines, for birth control and abortion. These practices were suppressed by settlers, who labelled these methods as taboo or shameful. Settlers’ religious beliefs were imposed through assimilative tactics like the residential school system, which disrupted the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge, including about abortion. Settler-colonialism has distorted Indigenous understandings of reproductive health, misrepresenting the place of abortion and contraception in Indigenous society.
Examining the influence of pre-HAART experiences on older, self-identifying gay men’s contemporary constructions of quality of life (QOL)
(Journal of Homosexuality, 2024) Handlovsky, Ingrid; Amato, Anthony T.; Ferlatte, Oliver; Kia, Hannah; Gagnon, Marilou; Worthington Catherine
Some older gay men (50+) experience diminished quality of life (QOL) due to historical and ongoing discrimination in addition to living through a collective trauma—the pre-HAART era of the HIV/AIDS epidemic—characterized by the absence of treatment and rampant discrimination targeting gay men. A growing body of literature, however, illustrates that older gay men demonstrate remarkable resilience but little is known about how QOL is conceptualized and how these conceptualizations are potentially shaped by pre-HAART experiences. The current study drew on constructivist grounded theory methods to examine how QOL is conceptualized in light of the sociohistorical relevance of pre-HAART. Twenty Canadian based gay men aged 50+ participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom. Ultimately, QOL is understood as experiencing contentment, which is made possible by the development and implementation of three key processes: (1) developing and cultivating meaningful connections, (2) growing into and embracing identity, and (3) appreciating the capacity to do what brings joy. QOL for this group is greatly informed by a context of disadvantage, and the demonstrated resilience warrants further investigation to meaningfully support the overall well-being of older gay men.
Reach of GetCheckedOnline among gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men and Two-Spirit people and correlates of use 5 years after program launch in British Columbia, Canada
(Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2024) Montiel, Andrés; Ablona, Aidan; Klassen, Ben; Card, Kiffer G.; Lachowsky, Nathan J.; Brennan, David J.; Grace, Daniel; Worthington, Catherine; Gilbert, Mark
Objectives Understanding who uses internet-based sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) services can inform programme implementation, particularly among those most impacted by STBBIs, including gender and sexual minority (GSM) men. GetCheckedOnline, an internet-based STBBI testing service in British Columbia, Canada, launched in 2014. Our objectives were to assess reach, identify factors associated with use of GetCheckedOnline 5 years into implementation and describe reasons for using and not using GetCheckedOnline among GSM men. Methods The Sex Now 2019 Survey was an online, cross-sectional survey of GSM men in Canada administered from November 2019 to February 2020. Participants were asked a subset of questions related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used to estimate associations between correlates and use of GetCheckedOnline. Results Of 431 British Columbia (BC) participants aware of GetCheckedOnline, 27.6% had tested using the service. Lower odds of having used GetCheckedOnline were found among participants with non-white race/ethnicity (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.41 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.74)) and those living with HIV (aOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.76)). Those who usually tested at a walk-in clinic, relative to a sexual health clinic, had greater odds of using GetCheckedOnline (aOR=3.91 (95% CI 1.36 to 11.61)). The most commonly reported reason for using and not using GetCheckedOnline was convenience (78%) and only accessing the website to see how the service worked (48%), respectively. Conclusion Over a quarter of GSM men in BC aware of GetCheckedOnline had used it. Findings demonstrate the importance of social/structural factors related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Service promotion strategies could highlight its convenience and privacy benefits to enhance uptake.
The Fireweed Project abortion aftercare resource booklet
(The Fireweed Project, 2025) Pérez Piñán, Astrid
For some, once all the appointments are finished and everything is said and done, the post-abortion experience is the first time they are able to catch their breath. This is a time to be gentle on your body, mind, and spirit. Below you will find information about what to expect and look out for after an abortion as well as a resource for further aftercare information and support.
Psychological distress in childbearing persons during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-trajectory study of anger, anxiety, and depression
(Depression and Anxiety, 2025) Ou, Christine; Chen, Guanyu; Giesbrecht, Gerald F.; Keys, Elizabeth; Lebel, Catherine; Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne
Psychological distress can manifest as depression, anxiety, and anger in the perinatal period. These conditions are often comorbid yet studied in isolation. A full understanding of perinatal psychopathology requires the spectrum of common psychological distress to be studied concurrently to better understand interconnected symptoms. A transdiagnostic approach provides valuable insights into how symptoms interact and cumulatively affect mental health, which can inform more effective screening and treatment strategies. This, in turn, can improve outcomes for birthing parents experiencing psychological distress. We undertook group-based multi-trajectory modeling (GBMTM) to uncover the patterns of affective disorders (anger, anxiety, and depression) over three-time points (pregnancy, 3-, and 12-months postpartum (mPP)) in a large longitudinal cohort of persons who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic (n?=?2145). We identified five trajectory groups: high-stable (11.3%), postpartum-increase (16.0%), postpartum-decrease (21.5%), low-stable (37.9%), and minimal stable (13.2%) symptoms of anger, anxiety, and depression. Multinomial regression revealed that lower levels of sleep disturbance, less financial hardship, and lower intolerance of uncertainty predicted postpartum decreases in psychological distress compared with the high stable group. Higher levels of sleep disturbance, greater financial hardship, lower level of social support, and greater intolerance of uncertainty predicted postpartum increases in psychological distress compared with the low-stable and minimal-stable groups. Screening for psychological distress symptoms (i.e., anger, anxiety, and depression), paired with access to evidence-based management for those who screen positive, is warranted during the first postpartum year to reduce the harmful effects of unmanaged distress on families.
Complex role of digital health literacy in awareness and use of digital sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections testing: A structural equation modelling analysis of the 2022 GetCheckedOnline survey
(Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2025) Iyamu, Ihoghosa; Gorun, Pierce; Bartlett, Sofia; McKee, Geoffrey; Donelle, Lorie; Chang, Hsiu-Ju; Sierra-Rosales, Rodrigo; Haag, Devon; Pedersen, Heather Nicole; Lachowsky, Nathan John; Worthington, Catherine; Grennan, Troy; Grace, Daniel; Gilbert, Mark
Background Although digital health literacy (DHL) is recognised as a determinant of access to digital sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing, empirical evidence about its contribution to access disparities remains limited. We applied multidimensional DHL measures to examine inequities in awareness and use of GetCheckedOnline, British Columbia’s (BC) publicly funded digital STBBI testing service. Methods We analysed data from GetCheckedOnline’s 2022 community survey of English-speaking BC residents aged ?16 years who were sexually active in the past year. Outcomes were awareness and use of GetCheckedOnline (yes/no). DHL was measured using latent factors from the eHealth Literacy Scale: Information Navigation, Resource Appraisal and Confidence in Use. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to estimate associations and mediation pathways between DHL, sociodemographic characteristics and service outcomes. Model fit was assessed using standard SEM indices. Results Among 1657 respondents (mean age 33 years, SD 11.77), Information Navigation was positively associated with awareness (?=0.162, p<0.001) and use (?=0.063, p=0.020) of GetCheckedOnline. Confidence in Use was positively associated with awareness (?=0.206, p=0.014) and use (?=0.115, p=0.020). In contrast, Resource Appraisal was negatively associated with awareness (?=?0.263, p=0.006) and use (?=?0.150, p=0.010). DHL factors mediated the effects of age, income, education and digital access on both outcomes. Conclusions DHL operates as a multidimensional and socially patterned determinant of access to digital STBBI testing services. While information navigation and confidence in use facilitate access, higher resource appraisal may reduce use, potentially reflecting concerns about service fit, privacy or trust. Findings highlight the need for digital interventions that are not only accessible but also contextually relevant, trusted and responsive to the needs of diverse users.
Use of GetCheckedOnline and testing through healthcare providers among repeat users of British Columbia's digital testing service for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections: Findings from a cross-sectional survey
(Digital Health, 2025) Gilbert, Mark; Ablona, Aidan; Chang, Hsiu-Ju; Iyamu, Ihoghosa; Sierra-Rosales, Rodrigo; Pedersen, Heather; Flowers, Paul; Lachowsky, Nathan; Grace, Daniel; Worthington, Catherine
Background Digital testing services for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) are becoming more common in Canada. There is little evidence supporting the assumption that these services reduce healthcare system burden. To explore this further, we described patterns of provider-based testing among repeat users of a digital STBBI testing service, and their association with access barriers. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in November 2022 of repeat GetCheckedOnline.com users (?2 tests, with 1 test between April and October 2022). We stratified participants into three use patterns of GetCheckedOnline for testing, using ordinal logistic regression to examine associations with barriers reflecting availability, accessibility, acceptability and appropriateness of health services (applying weights to adjust for non-responders). Results Of 798 participants (17.2% of 4633 eligible), 52.6% only and 35.8% mostly tested through GetCheckedOnline; 14.5% tested more often/equally through healthcare providers. Availability was associated with greater use of GetCheckedOnline (e.g., not having a primary care provider, OR 2.03, 95% CI [1.52–2.73]), and appropriateness with lower use (getting tested part of clinical care, OR 0.07 95% CI [0.05–0.11]). Participants < 25 years, high school educated or less or born outside Canada reported greater use of GetCheckedOnline for testing while 2S/LGBTQ+ and full-time employed participants reported lower use. Most participants (88.0%) would have tested through a provider if GetCheckedOnline were not available. Conclusion GetCheckedOnline use was associated with barriers to the availability of provider-based testing. Digital STBBI testing services may improve access to testing and reduce demands on healthcare providers for testing.
Models and key elements of integrated perinatal mental health care: A scoping review
(PLOS Mental Health, 2025) Carter, Michelle; Russolillo, Angela; Ou, Christine; Zusman, Enav Z.; Hall, Wendy A.; Cheung, Iva W.; Jenkins, Emily
Perinatal mental illness is a common and significant complication of pregnancy and childbirth. When left untreated, these illnesses are associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers, infants, and families. While early detection and effective management are essential, less than 15% of affected individuals receive timely and appropriate treatment. Integrated care offers a promising approach to addressing complex treatment barriers; however, the core features of integrated perinatal mental health (PMH) care are not well understood. We conducted a scoping review to identify and synthesize evidence on existing models and key elements of integrated PMH, with data extracted according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted across four databases: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. We included peer-reviewed articles, published in English between 1990 and 2024, that described models of integrated PMH care. Three reviewers independently screened 4588 articles by title and abstract, with 153 articles selected for full-text review. A total of 45 peer-reviewed articles were retained for analysis. These articles described a wide range of integrated PMH care models, including specialized inpatient units, intensive hospital day programs, outpatient and community clinics, and collaborative and stepped-care frameworks. An analysis of these models identified seven key elements of integrated care: (1) screening, assessment, and triage; (2) integrated care delivery; (3) patient-centred care; (4) a biopsychosocial approach to treatment; (5) PMH-trained clinicians; (6) health promotion and illness prevention; and (7) transition and discharge planning. This evidence suggests that care integration improves the accessibility, continuity, and quality of PMH care. Integrated models of care can take many forms with positive impacts on perinatal individuals and their families. Research is needed to establish consensus on the key elements of integrated care to support implementation.
Parental patterns of alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: Scoping review
(Interactive Journal of Medical Research, 2024) Ou, Christine; Corby, Kathryn; Booth, Kelsey; Ou, Hui-Hui
Background: The declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic led to public health restrictions that impacted the lives of people across the globe. Parents were particularly burdened with balancing multiple responsibilities, such as working from home while caring for and educating their children. Alcohol use among parents is an area that warrants further exploration. Objective: This study aimed to investigate patterns of parental alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on relative changes in the frequency and quantity of alcohol use compared to prepandemic use, nonparent adult samples, or both. Methods: A scoping review informed by the methodology of Arksey and O’Malley explored patterns of parental alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Search terms were created using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework of Population, Concept, and Context, with the population being parents and the concept being alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The database search yielded 3568 articles, which were screened for eligibility. Of the 3568 articles, 40 (1.12%) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the scoping review. Findings indicated the following: (1) having children at home was a factor associated with parental patterns of alcohol use; (2) mixed findings regarding gender-related patterns of alcohol consumption; and (3) linkages between parental patterns of alcohol use and mental health symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions: This scoping review revealed heterogeneous patterns in parental alcohol use across sociocultural contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the known harms of alcohol use, it is worthwhile for clinicians to assess parental drinking patterns and initiate conversations regarding moderation in alcohol use.

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