PEBC MCQ Public Health & Stewardship question: public health rationale

PEBC MCQPublic Health & Stewardship

A community pharmacy in a neighbourhood with high rates of injection drug use is considering joining a needle distribution and naloxone program. Which of the following is the main public health rationale?

a. Lowering local crime rates near the pharmacy
b. Reducing HIV and hepatitis C transmission and overdose deaths
c. Increasing referrals to opioid agonist treatment as its main purpose
d. Reducing the amount of drugs people use each day

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: b. Reducing HIV and hepatitis C transmission and overdose deaths

Harm reduction services such as sterile needle distribution and take-home naloxone are justified mainly by their effect on bloodborne infections (HIV, hepatitis C) and overdose deaths. They also create a contact point for testing, vaccination and treatment referral, but referral is a secondary benefit rather than the main rationale; effects on crime or on how much people use are not the primary aim, and evidence shows they do not increase drug use. Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, Harm reduction approaches and the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (2023); Health Canada, Naloxone programs (2024).

Common mistake

Believing harm reduction increases drug use.

Practice more PEBC MCQ Public Health & Stewardship questions

Exam-style questions with worked answers, then full timed mocks. Free to start.

Start practicing →

Study note: Public Health & Stewardship PEBC MCQpractice questions & mock exams

Related PEBC MCQ practice questions

A prescriber asks the pharmacist how to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use for adults with probable viral upper respiratory infections in her practice. Which strategy is best supported?A 55 year old asks the pharmacist about colon cancer screening. He has no symptoms or family history. Which recommendation reflects the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care?PK is a 52 year old male newly diagnosed with hypertension after home monitoring averaged 148/94 mm Hg. He has no other medical conditions and takes no medications. According to Hypertension Canada's 2025 primary care guideline, which initial treatment is most appropriate?

Build a daily practice habit — a few exam-style questions a day, with worked answers. Free to start.

Start practicing →

Original practice material written to the public PEBC blueprint; not a past or real exam question. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). Educational practice material for exam preparation only. Not medical advice and not a substitute for current product monographs, clinical guidelines or professional judgement. Questions have not yet been reviewed by a licensed pharmacist.