Research Project (2023–2025): Behavioural Economics Intervention for Prevention of Cannabis Use Disorder among People Living with HIV in Ontario who use Cannabis: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Feasibility Trial.

Dr. Tanya Lazor obtained her PhD in Health Services Research in 2020 from the University of Toronto’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her research interests lie in assessment and management of mental health outcomes for individuals living with chronic health conditions along with their caregivers.

Dr. Lazor’s CTN project will focus on a supportive intervention for people living with HIV in Ontario who use cannabis. Her project will explore previous behavioural economics interventions that have been successfully applied to mitigate substance use behaviours in various populations and will adapt and apply one to people receiving HIV care in Ontario who have self-identified problematic cannabis use. The goal of the project will be to explore the intervention’s feasibility, including mode of administration, optimal recruitment strategies, retention, and adherence. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will capture changes in cannabis use and mental health outcomes. Findings will help determine whether such an intervention can be administered on a larger scale, with the goal of mitigating development of cannabis use disorder. Dr. Lazor’s research will be supervised by Dr. Sergio Rueda at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

Prior to her PhD, Dr. Lazor obtained her BA in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor. She has received a number of honours and awards including a CIHR Doctoral Award and the Thomas and Edna Naylor Memorial Award in Health Services Research.