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Asiamah N, Hatsu S, Muhonja F, Opara CC, Opuni FF, Danquah E, Sghaier S. Association of information technology ability, workplace social engagement, and successful ageing: validation of a short measure with three African samples. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18787. [PMID: 39138214 PMCID: PMC11322284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the association of workplace social engagement (WSE) and information technology ability (ITA) with successful ageing and validated a brief scale measuring WSE. The interaction of WSE and ITA on successful ageing was also assessed. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and the participants were 1186 older adults living in Kenya (n = 350), Nigeria (n = 260), and Ghana (n = 576). Pearson's correlation and factor analyses of two datasets (i.e., waves 1 and 2) from the sample were utilised to validate the WSE scale. Hierarchical linear regression analysis with relevant sensitivity analyses were utilised to assess the associations with wave 2 data. The WSE scale produced satisfactory psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and validity) as a unidimensional measure. WSE and ITA were positively associated with successful ageing in Kenya and Ghana and in the consolidated data. The interaction between WSE and ITA was positively associated with successful ageing and its domains (i.e., illness avoidance, functioning, and engagement with life) in Kenya, Ghana, and consolidated data. At higher ITA or the use of information technologies, WSE is less strongly associated with successful ageing. WSE is more strongly associated with successful ageing only at moderate ITA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Asiamah
- Division of Interdisciplinary Research and Practice, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK.
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Sylvester Hatsu
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Computer Science, Accra Technical University, Barnes Road, Accra Metro, P. O Box GP 561, Accra, Ghana
| | - Faith Muhonja
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Amref International University, P. O. Box 27691, Nairobi, 00506, Kenya
| | - Confidence Chinwe Opara
- Department of Banking and Finance, College of Management Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Frank Frimpong Opuni
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Marketing, School of Business, Accra Technical University, Barnes Road, Accra Metro, P. O Box GP 561, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emelia Danquah
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
- Research Directorate, Koforidua Technical University, Eastern Region, Post Office Box KF-981, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Sarra Sghaier
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Africa Center for Epidemiology, P. O. Box AN 18462, Accra, Ghana
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Olderbak S, Möckl J, Rauschert C, Schäfer E, Helmer S, Seitz NN, Hoch E. Predictors of changes in marijuana consumption in Germany during the covid-19 pandemic. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01861-5. [PMID: 38969751 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
During the Covid-19 pandemic Germany experienced its first increase in the proportion of heavy cannabis users since 1995. With the expected nationwide decriminalization of cannabis before 2025, we investigate the potential causes for that increase. Data were from the 2021 European Web Survey on Drugs (EWSD) including 762 12-month marijuana users from Germany (72.9% male, mean age = 29.5 years). Both heavy and regular cannabis consumers reported an increase in marijuana consumption during the pandemic, with infrequent users reporting a decrease. Using multinomial logistic regression, we found younger individuals (OR = 0.95 [95% CI = 0.92, 0.98]) and those not pursuing or completing higher education (OR = 1.86 [1.23, 2.81]) had increased use. Additionally, using cannabis to self-medicate (OR = 2.79 [1.56, 4.99]) and purchasing marijuana (OR = 2.26 [1.35, 3.77]) was associated with increased use. We found, relative to infrequent users, both regular (OR = 4.00 [2.39, 6.72]) and notably heavy users (OR = 31.17 [12.10, 80.32]) were more likely to use cannabis to self-medicate. Both regular (OR = 4.09 [2.47, 6.77]) and especially heavy users (OR = 13.53 [6.74, 27.16]) were also more likely to purchase marijuana. Heavy users were also more likely to be past 30-day tobacco users (OR = 5.92 [2.81, 12.45]). We identified the self-reported motivation of using cannabis to self-medicate as well as act of purchasing marijuana as having the strongest relation to being a heavy user and increasing marijuana use during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Olderbak
- IFT Center for Mental Health & Addiction Research, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians- University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Justin Möckl
- IFT Center for Mental Health & Addiction Research, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians- University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Evita Schäfer
- IFT Center for Mental Health & Addiction Research, Munich, Germany
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Helmer
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Eva Hoch
- IFT Center for Mental Health & Addiction Research, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians- University, Munich, Germany
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Karjalainen K, Gunnar T, Hakkarainen P, Kankaanpää A, Rönkä S. Analysis of illicit stimulant use triangulating wastewater, general population survey and web survey data. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2022; 40:160-175. [PMID: 37063821 PMCID: PMC10101165 DOI: 10.1177/14550725221122150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We analysed illicit stimulant use in Finland by comparing three separate datasets collected at the same time. Methods: The data used were wastewater analysis (2014 and 2018), population-based drug surveys (2014 and 2018) and European Web Survey on Drugs (2018, Finnish data). Proportions, prevalence levels and trends of stimulant use as well as their consumption were measured. Factors associated with stimulant use were assessed for past-year stimulant or amphetamine use as an outcome measure in regression analyses. Results: Both population-based drug survey and wastewater data showed that stimulant use has increased in Finland between 2014 and 2018. Disadvantaged socio-demographic background and other substance use were associated with past-year stimulant use, with no geographical variation in Finland. The socio-demographics of those reporting amphetamine use differed between population-based drug survey and web survey. In the web survey, infrequent and occasional users of amphetamine were quite alike, whereas frequent users were more likely to be unemployed or use injection as the route of administration. Conclusion: Analysis of three different data revealed findings that would have been missed and conclusions that could not have been made by using only one dataset. Putting findings from different methods into dialogue raises new questions and opens new interpretations. This analysis emphasises the importance of the prevention of frequent use and associated harm, as well as the impact of versatile drug treatment and harm reduction services on it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teemu Gunnar
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
| | | | | | - Sanna Rönkä
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
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Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cannabis: How the Patterns of Use Differ: Results from the European Web Survey on Drugs. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00919-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2022] Open
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Ballestar-Tarín ML, Ibáñez-del-Valle V, Cauli O, Navarro-Martínez R. Personal and Social Consequences of Psychotropic Substance Use: A Population-Based Internet Survey. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:65. [PMID: 35056373 PMCID: PMC8777796 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Drug abuse has become a major worldwide health concern among all age groups. The present study analyses substance misuse and its social and personal consequences using a population-based internet survey in Spain. Materials and Methods: Screening for drug abuse (of alcohol, marijuana/hashish and psychostimulants) and its related risks and problems was performed using the Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT) score. Socio-demographic factors, depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms as well as health habits were also evaluated. We used Linear regression methods to compare each variable's individual contribution so as to determine which one best explains the results. Results: In this population-based study, 1224 people completed and returned the online survey. Of all participants, 57% reported consuming at least one substance based on the CRAFFT scale. While increasing age reduces the probability of personal and social consequences of consumption, people who smoke receive up to three times more (OR = 3.370) recommendations from family and friends to reduce their consumption. As for the type of substance, the consumption of marijuana increases the risk of forgetting (OR = 2.33) and the consumption of other psychostimulant substances almost triples the risk of consuming alone (OR = 2.965). Combining substances can increase the rate of driving a vehicle after consumption by 3.4 times. Conclusions: Although age, smoking and the type of substances used increase the risk of suffering from social and personal consequences of the use or abuse of substances, future studies are needed to determine the influence of new variables as a potential tool for treating and minimizing the adverse consequences of drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Ballestar-Tarín
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pidal 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (V.I.-d.-V.); (R.N.-M.)
| | - Vanessa Ibáñez-del-Valle
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pidal 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (V.I.-d.-V.); (R.N.-M.)
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Organized Group (FROG), Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pidal 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pidal 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (V.I.-d.-V.); (R.N.-M.)
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Organized Group (FROG), Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pidal 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rut Navarro-Martínez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pidal 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (V.I.-d.-V.); (R.N.-M.)
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Organized Group (FROG), Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Avda Menéndez Pidal 19, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Craft S, Ferris JA, Barratt MJ, Maier LJ, Lynskey MT, Winstock AR, Freeman TP. Clinical withdrawal symptom profile of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and comparison of effects with high potency cannabis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1349-1357. [PMID: 34533608 PMCID: PMC9110517 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) may be used as an alternative to natural cannabis; however, they may carry a greater risk of problematic use and withdrawal. This study aimed to characterise the withdrawal symptom profile of SCRAs and compare their profile of effect with high-potency herbal cannabis. Global Drug Survey data (2015 and 2016) were used to access a clinically relevant sample of people reporting use of SCRAs >10 times in the past 12-months, a previous SCRA quit attempt, and lifetime use of high-potency herbal cannabis. Participants completed an 11-item SCRA withdrawal symptom checklist and compared SCRAs and high-potency herbal cannabis on their onset and duration of effects, speed of the development of tolerance, severity of withdrawal, and difficulty with dose titration. Participants (n = 284) reported experiencing a mean of 4.4 (95% CI: 4.1, 4.8) withdrawal symptoms after not using SCRAs for >1 day; most frequently reported were sleep issues (59.2%), irritability (55.6%), and low mood (54.2%). Withdrawal symptoms were significantly associated with frequency (>51 vs. 11-50 times per year: IRR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.77, p = 0.005) and quantity (grams per session: IRR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.22, p = 0.001) of SCRA use. Compared to high-potency herbal cannabis, SCRAs were rated as having a faster onset and shorter duration of effects, faster development of tolerance, and more severe withdrawal (p's < 0.001). In conclusion, SCRA withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur after greater SCRA exposure. The effects of SCRA indicate a more severe withdrawal syndrome and a greater risk of problematic use than natural cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Craft
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK. .,National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jason A. Ferris
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Health Services Research, University of Queensland, QLD, Queensland Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monica J. Barratt
- grid.1017.70000 0001 2163 3550Social and Global Studies Centre and Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University, Victoria Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales Sydney, Australia
| | - Larissa J. Maier
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Michael T. Lynskey
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Adam R. Winstock
- Global Drug Survey Ltd, London, UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tom P. Freeman
- grid.7340.00000 0001 2162 1699Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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Lukačovič M, Masaryk R. Use of hallucinogens in Slovakia: Does it differ from global trends? THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 98:103385. [PMID: 34364200 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People have been using hallucinogens for thousands of years and interest in these substances has grown in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the basic socio-demographic data, preferences, experiences, and attitudes associated with hallucinogen use in Slovakia. METHODS A cross-sectional research design was used whereby an online survey included participants who had had at least one experience with hallucinogens (N = 422, age M = 27.78; SD = 7.84; SE = 0.38; 35.1% females). Due to the illegal, intimate, and minority nature of the phenomena studied, data was collected using the snowball sampling method via an online social network in groups that declared a drug focus. RESULTS Users of hallucinogens were mostly employed (61,8%) and in some form of partnership (57,6%); they usually have a high school diploma (46,68%) or a university degree (45,41%). They most often use psilocybin mushrooms, while the age of initial use (M = 19,61; SD = 5,39) as well as lifetime frequency use (M = 18,26; SD = 24,21; Median = 10) are similar to global trends. Free use without rituals was preferred to ceremonial use. In general, our sample of hallucinogen users considered the integration of psychedelic experiences to be simple rather than challenging. Concurrently, they tended to see hallucinogens as useful to humans, but realised that they are not without risk and can be somewhat dangerous. Males used hallucinogens for the first time at a younger age (p < .05, r = -.12), used more hallucinogens during their lifetime (p <.001, r = -.23), and demanded decriminalisation and legalisation more (p <.01, r = -.13) than females. CONCLUSION Slovak users of hallucinogens in our sample showed similar usage trends as users abroad. Even though both males and females perceive and evaluate hallucinogens very similarly, females are significantly more careful in using these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Lukačovič
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of social and economic sciences, Comenius University, Mlynské luhy 4, 821 05 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Radomír Masaryk
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of social and economic sciences, Comenius University, Mlynské luhy 4, 821 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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8
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López-Pelayo H, Matrai S, Balcells-Olivero M, Campeny E, Braddick F, Bossong MG, Cruz OS, Deluca P, Dom G, Feingold D, Freeman TP, Guzman P, Hindocha C, Kelly BC, Liebregts N, Lorenzetti V, Manthey J, Matias J, Oliveras C, Pons MT, Rehm J, Rosenkranz M, Swithenbank Z, van Deurse L, Vicente J, Vuolo M, Wojnar M, Gual A. Supporting Future Cannabis Policy - Developing a Standard Joint Unit: A Brief Back-Casting Exercise. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:675033. [PMID: 34093282 PMCID: PMC8172797 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.675033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The standardization of cannabis doses is a priority for research, policy-making, clinical and harm-reduction interventions and consumer security. Scientists have called for standard units of dosing for cannabis, similar to those used for alcohol. A Standard Joint Unit (SJU) would facilitate preventive and intervention models in ways similar to the Standard Drink (SD). Learning from the SD experiences allows researchers to tackle emerging barriers to the SJU by applying modern forecasting methods. During a workshop at the Lisbon Addictions Conference 2019, a back-casting foresight method was used to address challenges and achieve consensus in developing an SJU. Thirty-two professionals from 13 countries and 10 disciplines participated. Descriptive analysis of the workshop was carried out by the organizers and shared with the participants in order to suggest amendments. Several characteristics of the SJU were defined: (1) core values: easy-to use, universal, focused on THC, accurate, and accessible; (2) key challenges: sudden changes in patterns of use, heterogeneity of cannabis compounds as well as in administration routes, variations over time in THC concentrations, and of laws that regulate the legal status of recreational and medical cannabis use); and (3) facilitators: previous experience with standardized measurements, funding opportunities, multi-stakeholder support, high prevalence of cannabis users, and widespread changes in legislation. Participants also identified three initial steps for the implementation of a SJU by 2030: (1) Building a task-force to develop a consensus-based SJU; (2) Expanded available national-level data; (3) Linking SJU consumption to the concept of "risky use," based on evidence of harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo López-Pelayo
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Matrai
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Balcells-Olivero
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugènia Campeny
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fleur Braddick
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matthijs G Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Olga S Cruz
- Social Sciences Department, Instituto Universitário da Maia (ISMAI), Maia, Portugal.,University Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Human Rights - JusGov, University of Minho, Maia, Portugal and JusGov - Escola de Direito, Braga, Portugal
| | - Paolo Deluca
- Addictions Department, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geert Dom
- Adult Psychiatry Department, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,European Federation of Addiction Societies, Boechout, Belgium
| | | | - Tom P Freeman
- Addiction and Mental Health Group, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Guzman
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chandni Hindocha
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian C Kelly
- Departament of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Nienke Liebregts
- Bonger Institute of Criminology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Jakob Manthey
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research of Hamburg University (ZIS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - João Matias
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Clara Oliveras
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Pons
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Canada Epidemiological Research Unit, Canada Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (UofT), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Technische Universität Dresden, Klinische Psychologie & Psychotherapie, Dresden, Germany.,Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Moritz Rosenkranz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research of Hamburg University (ZIS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zoe Swithenbank
- Faculty of Health, Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Luc van Deurse
- Student Governance and Leadership in European Public Health, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Julian Vicente
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mike Vuolo
- Department of Sociology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Marcin Wojnar
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Antoni Gual
- Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Tramadol non-medical use in Four European countries: A comparative analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 217:108367. [PMID: 33153831 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding prescription medication misuse is challenging due to lack of consistent measures of misuse behaviors and prevalence between countries. Tramadol is an atypical opioid with a dual mechanism, and has low drug liking compared to conventional opioids. We evaluate tramadol misuse compared to conventional opioids utilizing a harmonized validated national survey across four countries: Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS Data from the Survey of Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs (NMURx) Program online cross-sectional general population national surveys are analyzed from 2018 from four countries, with 45,000 total responses. Misuse and abuse of tramadol, codeine, morphine, and oxycodone are compared, and national prevalence estimates calculated via calibration weighting. Rates are calculated per population and per drug availability. Supplemental data are included from patients entering treatment centres and poison centre exposures. RESULTS In 2018, distribution, misuse, and abuse of four prescription opioids show similar patterns across four countries. In all countries, codeine is misused by the largest number of adults (estimated 861,181 in Italy to 4,676,680 in Spain in past 12 months). When adjusted for availability, tramadol is misused uncommonly with lowest or second lowest rates in all countries. Most abuse occurs by the oral route for all opioids, including tramadol with only 7.27 (Germany) to 54.92 (UK) cases per 100,000 units sold. CONCLUSIONS In four countries, tramadol misuse and abuse are infrequent both in absolute number of cases and in comparison to conventional opioids. Even with availability of intravenous tramadol formulations, misuse by injection is rare.
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Strizek J, Karden A, Matias J. Relevance of cryptomarkets, characteristics of purchasers and possibilities for survey research: experience from the European Web Survey on Drugs. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-12-2019-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the relevance of cryptomarkets, characteristics of purchasers and possibilities for survey research by approaching users directly on cryptomarkets.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-country comparison of the results from the European Web Survey on Drugs (EWSD) and summarizing lessons learned during the data collection was carried out.
Findings
Purchasers of drugs on cryptomarkets are still a rather small segment of all drug purchasers, and most people who use cryptomarkets also use other sources of supply to buy drugs. The percentage of people using cryptomarkets is unevenly distributed across countries and substances. Purchasers on cryptomarkets in most countries are more likely to be men and more likely, on average, to use more substances. Other characteristics such as age or place of residence do not show a consistent pattern across countries. Recruitment of respondents on cryptomarkets calls for specific techniques and procedures. Specific attention should be paid to build trust and guarantee credibility and anonymity.
Research limitations/implications
Interpretation of the quantitative results is limited by nonprobabilistic sampling and different recruitment strategies in different countries.
Practical implications
Users of cryptomarkets show some specific characteristics, providing a challenge for research and prevention agencies to keep up with digital technology. Increasing knowledge about characteristics of users of cryptomarkets may help to create adequate responses for harm reduction measures in different supply settings. However, collecting self-reported data from users on cryptomarkets is limited owing to significant privacy concerns and requires specific skills and strategies.
Originality/value
The EWSD provides a rare opportunity for detailed analyses of consumption patterns and characteristics of active drug users across several European countries. Furthermore, experiences of a new recruitment strategy are discussed.
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Vuolo M, Matias J. Sources of drug acquisition among females and males in the European Web Survey on Drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 81:102777. [PMID: 32454388 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networks determine the availability of drugs, which in turn affects use patterns. Yet, there is some limited evidence that as frequency of drug use increases, people who use drugs increasingly utilize drug dealers. Further, females more often report receiving drugs for free. Studies on these two phenomena are limited by the substances they examine and the countries in which they have been conducted, and they have not been considered together. We examine whether gender differences in sources is moderated by increased frequency of use across four different substances in a web survey of sixteen European countries. METHODS The European Web Survey on Drugs was collected from 2016-2018 among the national partners of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Individuals who use drugs in sixteen European countries completed an online survey. For herbal cannabis, cannabis resin, cocaine, and MDMA, we examine drug acquisition sources by gender and frequency of use. Sources include through dealers and sharing or free, as well as growing and online markets for cannabis. We model each source with logistic regression with chained multiple imputation and a country fixed-effect and clustered standard errors. RESULTS Across all substances, females who use drugs at low frequencies had significantly lower probabilities than males in using dealers; however, females were equally likely to use dealers when use is frequent. The probability of acquiring drugs for free was higher for females except among those who use most frequently, where the difference became non-significant except for herbal cannabis. CONCLUSIONS Females and males use dealers to acquire illicit drugs at similar rates when use is more frequent. Except for highest frequency use, females are typically more likely than males to acquire drugs for free. Examinations of supply should consider these gendered differences in acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Vuolo
- Department of Sociology, The Ohio State University, 238 Townshend Hall, 1885 Neil Avenue Mall, Columbus, OH 43201, United States.
| | - João Matias
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Praça Europa 1, Cais do Sodré, 1249-289, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Caulkins JP, Pardo B, Kilmer B. Intensity of cannabis use: Findings from three online surveys. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 79:102740. [PMID: 32334336 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use is often measured in terms of prevalence, meaning the number of people who used any amount in the last month or year, but measuring the quantity consumed is critical for making informed regulatory decisions and estimating the effects of policy changes. Quantity is the product of frequency (e.g., number of use days in the last month) and intensity (amount consumed per use day). Presently, there is imperfect understanding of the extent to which more frequent users also consume more intensively. METHODS AND DATA We examine cannabis flower consumption reported in three similar online surveys fielded in times and places where cannabis was and was not legal. These convenience samples returned enough valid responses (n = 2,618) to examine consumption across different frequencies of use via analyses of measures of central tendency, data visualizations, and multivariate regressions. Additional calculations incorporate data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. FINDINGS Respondents who reported using daily (i.e., 30 days in the past month) consumed almost twice as much per day of use on average as did those reporting less than daily. We find only modest increases in intensity among those using less than daily, but then a substantial increase (p< 0.001) for those who use daily. Most respondents report that on heavy or light use days their consumption differs from a typical day of use by a factor of 2 or more, but only about 25% of days were described as heavy or light. We estimate those using cannabis 21+ days a month account for 80% of consumption vs. 71% of the days of use. DISCUSSION Daily cannabis users consume more intensively than others, including near-daily users. When possible, survey questions should move beyond the presence or absence of use and number of days used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Caulkins
- Carngie Mellon University, Heinz College, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA.
| | - Beau Kilmer
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
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