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Zhao Y, Summers R, Gathara D, English M. Conducting cross-cultural, multi-lingual or multi-country scale development and validation in health care research: A 10-step framework based on a scoping review. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04151. [PMID: 39024643 PMCID: PMC11257704 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Valid, reliable and cross-cultural equivalent scales and measurement instruments that enable comparisons across diverse populations in different countries are important for global health research and practice. We developed a 10-step framework through a scoping review of the common strategies and techniques used for scale development and validation in a cross-cultural, multi-lingual, or multi-country setting, especially in health care research. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO for peer-reviewed studies that collected data from two or more countries or in two or more languages at any stages of scale development or validation and published between 2010-22. We categorised the techniques into three commonly used scale development and validation stages (item generation, scale development, and scale evaluation) as well as during the translation stage. We described the most commonly used techniques at each stage. Results We identified 141 studies that were included in the analysis. We summarised 14 common techniques and strategies, including focus groups or interviews with diverse target populations, and involvement of measurement experts and linguists for item content validity expert panel at the item generation stage; back-and-forth translation, collaborative team approach for the translation stage; cognitive interviews and different recruitment strategies and incentives in different settings for scale development stage; and three approaches for measurement invariance (multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, differential item functioning and multiple indicator multiple causes) for scale evaluation stage. Conclusions We provided a 10-step framework for cross-cultural, multi-lingual or multi-country scale development and validation based on these techniques and strategies. More research and synthesis are needed to make scale development more culturally competent and enable scale application to better meet local health and development needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxi Zhao
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Centre for Global Health Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Summers
- School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - David Gathara
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, and Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mike English
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Centre for Global Health Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
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Strong SJ, Charles NE, Bullerjahn MR, Tennity C, O'Dell C, Cordova E. Confirming Eight-Factor Structure of the Substance Use Motives Measure in a Sample of US College Students. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241226901. [PMID: 38286987 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241226901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The 2020 National Survey on Drug Use indicates nearly three quarters of individuals ages 18-25 have used substances in the past year. Research suggests individuals who use substances to cope with negative mood states are typically more substance-involved, report more psychological distress, and have a more extensive treatment history. Additionally, the high rate of polysubstance use among substance using adults in the U.S. highlights the need for broadband measures that can adequately capture use, consequences, and motivations for use of multiple substances. However, most measures assessing motives for use are typically substance specific. Recently, Biolcati and Passini (2019) developed a brief, but comprehensive model of broad substance use motives (i.e., Substance Use Motives Measure, SUMM) based on well-established motives questionnaires (e.g., DMQ-R, MMQ). They found support for their proposed eight-factor model in an online sample of Italian citizens (ages 18-60). No studies to date have examined the psychometric properties of the SUMM with an English-speaking or US college student sample. The current study evaluates the factor structure of the SUMM in a sample of 143 college students (74.8% female, 77.6% White, and 94.4% non-Hispanic/Latinx) at a large, southeastern university in the United States. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis showed support for the previously identified eight-factor structure for the SUMM, with acceptable model fit and internal consistency of each factor found. Findings support using the SUMM as a broad measure of substance use motives, but more research is needed to assess measurement invariance across different groups and to evaluate external, concurrent, and convergent validity using other well-established measures of substance use motives, severity, and psychiatric symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Strong
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Nora E Charles
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | | | - Cassidy Tennity
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Chloe O'Dell
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Emily Cordova
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
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Kňažek F, Horák M, Ocetková T, Somerlíková K, Bláhová B, Plevková M, Mravčík V, Chomynová P, Kočárová R. Typology of Users of Psychedelics and Alike Psychoactive Substances in Czechia: Results of the National Online Survey. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:601-611. [PMID: 36827494 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2177908] [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: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to define the typical groups of users of psychedelics and alike psychoactive substances in Czechia regarding various variables such as demographics, their patterns of use, or motivation for use. Data from 890 Czech respondents were collected through an online questionnaire as a part of The National Psychedelic Research Project. Subjects reported experience with the use of 29 selected substances by answering 133 questions of the questionnaire. Cluster analysis based on answers on last year use was performed, and descriptive statistics was used for 18 questions from the questionnaire. Six groups of users were identified with distinguished users and demographic characteristics, namely, The most experienced; Pure smokers; Highly educated mild users; Past-time users with families; Responsible (party) students and Deep meaning natural substance users. Groups differ mainly in the type of substances used, frequency of use last year, and demographics. Our findings highlight several patterns typical for psychedelics and alike psychoactive substances use in Czechia in each of the groups and the need for targeted drug prevention services, the raise of public awareness regarding this topic, and a possible reevaluation of the legal status of some substances. Results can be useful for health-care providers, social workers, and policy-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Kňažek
- Technology transfer centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk,University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Horák
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Ocetková
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristína Somerlíková
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Bláhová
- Technology transfer centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Plevková
- Technology transfer centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Arts, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Mravčík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
| | - Pavla Chomynová
- National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction, Office of the Government, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
| | - Rita Kočárová
- Technology transfer centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Kühnl R, Aydin D, Horn S, Olderbak S, Verthein U, Kraus L. Taking the cat-and-mouse game to the next level: different perspectives on the introduction of the German New Psychoactive Substances Act. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:122. [PMID: 36329471 PMCID: PMC9632031 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To counteract the spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and to prevent the emergence of novel substances, specifically designed as a response to the legal control of individual substances, a new law was introduced in Germany in 2016: the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). The NpSG combines a generic approach with the waiver of criminal liability for the acquisition and possession of NPS for personal use, which is a novelty in German narcotics law. The present study aimed at exploring the impact of the introduction of the NpSG from three different perspectives-NPS users, staff of addiction care facilities, and members of law enforcement authorities-to better understand the dynamics surrounding such a change in legislation and to contribute to the body of international experience in dealing with NPS. METHODS Semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted with a total of 193 representatives of the three different groups affected by the law. These interviews included questions on perceived changes associated with the introduction of the NpSG as well as questions on opinions regarding legal and criminal policy issues. The analysis was carried out using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. RESULTS Most interviewees welcomed the non-criminalisation approach of the NpSG but also noticed that, in practice, not much has changed for users. Nevertheless, the changes in legislation have had an impact on the market. For example, novel substances have emerged circumventing the new legislation. According to users, this has led some to reduce NPS use and others to adopt more hazardous consumption patterns. Overall, most respondents did not expect the introduction of the NpSG to bring any significant changes. CONCLUSIONS Although the idea of non-criminalisation inherent to the NpSG is appreciated and the generic approach has been well implemented in the law, thus covering a wide range of substances, the introduction of the law-perhaps for that very reason-has also had unintended and negative consequences, taking the cat-and-mouse game to the next level. To end the game, or at least to defuse the game situation, a combination of different strategies will be necessary, with legislation always playing a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kühnl
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069, Ulm, Germany
| | - Darya Aydin
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Horn
- Unit III.5 Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law and Criminal Politics, German Police University, Zum Roten Berge 18-24, 48165, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sally Olderbak
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany.,Psychology Department, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Uwe Verthein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Centre of Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kraus
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Egyetem tér 1-3, 1053, Budapest, Hungary.
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Király O, Billieux J, King DL, Urbán R, Koncz P, Polgár E, Demetrovics Z. A comprehensive model to understand and assess the motivational background of video game use: The Gaming Motivation Inventory (GMI). J Behav Addict 2022; 11:796-819. [PMID: 35939353 PMCID: PMC9872527 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The popularity of video gaming has generated significant interest in research methods to examine motivations for gaming. Current measures of gaming motives are limited by lack of scope and/or their applicability to specific game genres only. We aimed to create a comprehensive motivation inventory applicable to any gaming genre and to evaluate its psychometric properties in a large sample of highly engaged video gamers. METHODS Stage 1 of this project involved a systematic review that generated the items for the Gaming Motivation Inventory (GMI). Stages 2-4 involved an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the GMI. A sample of 14,740 video gamers (89.3% male; mean age 24.1 years) were recruited via an online survey promoted by a popular gaming magazine. RESULTS In Stage 2, twenty-six gaming motives were identified, which clustered into six higher-order dimensions (Mastery, Immersion/Escapism, Competition, Stimulation, Social, Habit/Boredom). In Stage 3, construct validity of the six higher-order motives was assessed by associations with gaming-related, personality, and psychological variables. In Stage 4, the relationships between motives and depression symptoms and gaming disorder symptoms were explored. Although gaming motives had weak associations with gaming genres, they were moderately related to variables such as competitiveness, sociability, and positive and negative affect. Gaming disorder symptoms were directly predicted by depression symptoms and indirectly via Immersion/Escapism, Habit/Boredom, and Competition motives. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These findings support the notion that motives are one of the primary causes of gaming behavior and play an important role in predicting its problematic nature. The GMI is a psychometrically valid tool that will be useful for gaining insights into factors underlying gaming behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Király
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary,Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Centre for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospitals, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel L. King
- College of Education, Psychology, & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Róbert Urbán
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Patrik Koncz
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary,Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Polgár
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary,Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
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Basedow LA, Kuitunen‐Paul S. Motives for the use of serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1391-1403. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sören Kuitunen‐Paul
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Technische Universität Chemnitz Chemnitz Germany
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7
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Different drugs come with different motives: Examining motives for substance use among people who engage in polysubstance use undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109133. [PMID: 34768142 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use motives (i.e., reasons for using a substance) are thought to be the most proximal variable leading to substance use. These motives have been described by various typologies, the most well known being the four-factor drinking motives model which separates motives into enhancement, social, coping, and conformity (Cooper, 1994). Although extensively studied in adult community samples, motives for use have less commonly been investigated among populations at a later stage of addiction, where polysubstance use is more common. Moreover, because the motives literature has largely focused on drinking motives, it is not clear whether existing findings can also be applied to other substances (Cooper et al., 2016). METHODS Using Zero-inflated beta Bayesian linear mixed modeling, we investigated the stability of seven distinct substance use motives (enhancement, social, expansion, coping with anxiety, coping with depression, coping with withdrawal, and conformity) across six different drug categories (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, and tranquilisers) to determine the extent to which drug class can influence motive endorsement. One-hundred-and-thirty-eight methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) clients (F = 34.1%; M = 65.9%; age = 40.18 years) completed a novel short-form polysubstance motives questionnaire. RESULTS External motives (i.e., conformity and social motives) were the most stable across drug categories, while all internal motives (i.e., enhancement, expansion, and all three coping motives) demonstrated varying levels of inter-drug variability. CONCLUSIONS These findings have important implications for prevention and intervention strategies among people who engage in polysubstance use, highlighting the importance of both universal and substance-specific programming.
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8
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Zangani C, Ostinelli EG, Giordano B, D’Agostino A, Martinotti G, Clerici M, Gambini O, Schifano F. Knowledge and Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances in Italy: a Survey-Based Study in the General Population. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00683-z] [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: 11/30/2022] Open
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Bujalski M, Wieczorek Ł, Sierosławski J. Risk perception and risk aversion among people who use New Psychoactive Substances. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 97:103326. [PMID: 34146791 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are often considered to be harmful and less safe alternatives to traditional recreational drugs. Yet we have little knowledge of the ways in which risk aversion affects NPS risk perception and how risk judgements differ across types of NPS. In the analysis that follows, we investigate whether the perceived severity of risk is amplified or attenuated by users' experiences, risk avoidance strategies and modes of knowledge on risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data were derived from a Polish cross-sectional study on patterns of NPS use and associated risks. A convenience sample of 605 users of NPS (Mean age = 22; range 15-49 years) completed a questionnaire. A principal component analyses and ordinal regression models were used to reveal the latent variables indicating modes of knowledge on NPS risk and risk avoidance strategies, and to determine the associations between risk aversion and perceived personal risk of NPS use. RESULTS Several precautionary measures were employed by the majority of participants in the study. The perception of individual risk differed across NPS types. Principal component analysis yielded three components in both risk avoidance strategies ('avoiding mixes', 'precautionary measures', 'planning') and modes of knowledge on risk ('experience', 'technical knowledge', 'harm reduction'). However, ordinal regression models show that perceptions of risk are only partially affected by the modes of knowledge on NPS risk and by risk avoidance strategies. DISCUSSION The results indicate that risk perception largely depends on NPS type. The perception of risk is driven by both modes of knowledge and risk avoidance strategies. However, they have different impacts on how individuals judge risk across various types of NPS. The perspective of risk perception should inform policy-makers and prevention experts to focus their efforts on honest and substantive risk communication. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that individuals tend to rely on various strategies of risk avoidance, which indicates the need to improve the substantive communication on NPS risks, with a particular focus on the types of NPS, which could help people using them make informed choices.
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Folprechtová D, Kalíková K, Kadkhodaei K, Reiterer C, Armstrong DW, Tesařová E, Schmid MG. Enantioseparation performance of superficially porous particle vancomycin-based chiral stationary phases in supercritical fluid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography; applicability for psychoactive substances. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1637:461846. [PMID: 33387915 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are synthetic compounds that have been designed to produce the physiological and psychological effects of known recreational drugs, while circumventing current drug control laws and scheduling guidelines. Such "designer drugs" pose problems in detection and prevention of use, and they are no less dangerous than known controlled substances. Among the various classes of NPS, many are chiral. As they are synthetic products, most are racemates. Not unexpectedly, there is limited information about different the pharmacological and toxicological properties of their pure enantiomers. Hence, fast and reliable enantioselective methods are of great interest. In this work, superficially porous particle (SPP) vancomycin-based chiral stationary phases were used for development of fast enantioselective separation methods for various classes of NPS in supercritical fluid chromatography and liquid chromatography. The NPS tested included pyrovalerones, benzofurans, phenidines and phenidates. The effect of mobile phase composition on the retention and resolution of NPS in supercritical fluid chromatography was examined. The amount as well as the ratios of additives used is crucial for enantioseparation efficiency. Results showed the high enantioselective potential of vancomycin-based columns in both chromatographic techniques; 88% of NPS tested were enantioseparated in supercritical fluid chromatography and 69% of NPS tested were enantioseparated in liquid chromatography. Moreover, under optimized conditions, simultaneous enantioseparations of some NPS were achieved, which indicates great suitability of vancomycin-based columns for this purpose. The proposed methods can serve as guides for method development and for enantioseparation of further upcoming NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Folprechtová
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Květa Kalíková
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Kian Kadkhodaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cornelia Reiterer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel W Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Eva Tesařová
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin G Schmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Neicun J, Yang JC, Shih H, Nadella P, van Kessel R, Negri A, Czabanowska K, Brayne C, Roman-Urrestarazu A. Lifetime prevalence of novel psychoactive substances use among adults in the USA: Sociodemographic, mental health and illicit drug use correlates. Evidence from a population-based survey 2007-2014. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241056. [PMID: 33125395 PMCID: PMC7598490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are conceived to mimic the effects of common illicit drugs, they represent a serious public health challenge due to the spike in intoxications and fatalities that have been linked to their use. This study aims to provide epidemiological data on NPS use in the USA, determining lifetime prevalence of use and defining demographic, socioeconomic, drug use patterns and mental health correlates. METHODS This study uses secondary data from the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which is a large cross-sectional population-based survey carried out annually in the USA. We analysed data from 2007-14 (N = 307,935) using bivariate descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression to calculate prevalence and determine factors underlying NPS consumption. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI's were calculated for a set of selected independent variables. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Our analysis NSDUH from 2007-14 highlights an increase in NPS use among adults, especially among white young men aged 18 to 25. Although the level of education of NPS users was relatively higher as compared to non-users, NPS users seemed to have a less wealthy situation. However, socioeconomic vulnerability appeared to be less important than mental health issues as a correlate to NPS use. NPS users seem to have followed a pattern of polysubstance use throughout their life, which involves both traditional illicit drugs and classic synthetic drugs. As NPS use seemed to be more prevalent among people having mental health issues, the rise in their use may have a negative impact on population mental health outcomes. CONCLUSION Further comparative research on trends in NPS use and potential public health responses would be instrumental for developing appropriate health interventions, including drug checking, education for users and training for healthcare professionals working both within emergency wards and in/outpatient addiction and mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Neicun
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Hueyjong Shih
- Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pranay Nadella
- Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robin van Kessel
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Attilio Negri
- Novel Psychoactive Substance Unit, Centre for Clinical & Health Research Services, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Kasia Czabanowska
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- National Institute of Public Health, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Carol Brayne
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Andres Roman-Urrestarazu
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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12
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Simonis S, Canfyn M, Van Dijck A, Van Havere T, Deconinck E, Blanckaert P, Gremeaux L. Awareness of users and motivational factors for using new psychoactive substances in Belgium. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:52. [PMID: 32711526 PMCID: PMC7382100 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00393-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data on motivations for using new psychoactive substances (NPS) are available. However, the cost, the legal status, and their accessibility through channels like internet contributed to the popularity of NPS. The objective of this article are first to gain a deeper understanding of the culture surrounding NPS in Belgium and second to define the awareness of the users concerning the content of the NPS they are consuming. METHODS Snowball sampling and partners in the drug demand reduction field were used as a gateway in order to reach a heterogeneous study population. In total, 45 users were recruited and in-depth interviews were conducted. The personal experiences of NPS users and their needs for support along the continuum of care were explored through an interview guideline, while subjects were given the opportunity to deposit a NPS sample for forensic analysis in a recognized laboratory. RESULTS A diversity of profiles was found among NPS users but also a wide diversity in the motives to consume NPS: personal reasons such as pleasure, mind exploration, being connected to others, or out of curiosity, but also external reasons such as price, accessibility or the specific effects procured by certain NPS. The results showed as well that a majority of NPS users seem to be aware of the substances they are using. CONCLUSION Understanding the motivations of use is of importance to determine which type of NPS targeted interventions are adapted to different profiles of users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Simonis
- D.O. Public Health and Epidemiology, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium. .,Present address: Faculté des Sciences Sociales - Service de Criminologie, Quartier Agora, Bâtiment B31, Place des Orateurs 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Michaël Canfyn
- D.O. Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Eric Deconinck
- D.O. Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Blanckaert
- D.O. Public Health and Epidemiology, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lies Gremeaux
- D.O. Public Health and Epidemiology, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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Virtual ‘Experiential Expert’ Communities of Practice in Sharing Evidence-Based Prevention of Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Use: the Portuguese Experience. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00376-z] [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: 10/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to be considered as a major public health concern in many European countries. The study was implemented within the framework of a transnational project of six European countries (Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal). Our aim here is to report on the distinct and differentiating characteristics of marginalised NPS users. Three subgroups of a total of 3023 adult NPS users (socially marginalised, night life, online community) were examined regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, substance use, and external motives towards NPS use. Poland and Hungary reported higher rates of NPS use in comparison to traditional controlled drugs. The external/contextual motives did not play a central role in the background of NPS use, the least important motives were alleged legality and non-detectability of these substances. Marginalised (defined as those accessing low threshold harm reduction services) users’ substance use patterns are different from the other two groups in terms of showing more intense and riskier drug use. The most important variables which contributed to be categorised as a marginalised NPS user were lower level education, being older, having an unfavourable labour market position and using drugs intravenously. Contextual motives did not play a decisive role in being categorised as a marginalised user when drug use pattern was controlled. These identified discriminative features of marginalised drug users should inform policy makers to develop and implement tailor-made interventions targeting this user group to successfully tackle the elevated public health concerns associated with NPS use.
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