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Stalgaitis CA, Jordan JW, Tate B, Cruse B, Bellon M, Oruga R, Hurley B. There is hope and help: Reach and reception of a methamphetamine education campaign in Los Angeles County, California. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102518. [PMID: 38116271 PMCID: PMC10728456 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the context of increasing rates of methamphetamine (meth) overdose in Los Angeles County, California, USA, in 2021 the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health relaunched Meth Free LA County, a methamphetamine public education campaign built on Rescue Agency's Decision BlocksTM Strategic Framework. Methods To assess campaign reach and reception, we examined media data and an online cross-sectional post-campaign survey in 2021 with a convenience sample of 750 county residents ages 18-54 who had used meth, were at-risk, or had personal relationships with people at-risk. We assessed campaign awareness, receptivity, and perceived effectiveness. Participants also reported concern about meth use in their community, recall of 10 facts from campaign content, and if they had taken promoted actions such as seeking help. We compared proportions between campaign-aware and unaware participants and explored if recall predicted these measures. Results Most participants recalled the campaign (84.1%), felt it offered a new way of looking at meth (73.8%), and reported it made them feel that help is available (84.0%) or that it could help reduce their own use (82.4%). Video advertisements received high perceived effectiveness scores. Greater campaign recall was associated with significantly increased odds of being concerned about meth use in the community, recalling facts, and taking promoted actions. Conclusion In 2021, Meth Free LA County reached its high-risk audiences. Unlike fear-based campaigns its message resonated with high-risk individuals, providing an example of how public education campaigns on meth and similar illicit substances can connect with their audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brandon Tate
- Rescue Agency, 2437 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
| | - Brian Cruse
- Rescue Agency, 2437 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
| | | | - Rangell Oruga
- Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Division, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 1000 S Fremont Ave, Bldg A-9 East, 3 Floor, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA
| | - Brian Hurley
- Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Division, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 1000 S Fremont Ave, Bldg A-9 East, 3 Floor, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA
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Orjiakor CT, Eze J, Chinweoke M, Ezenwa M, Orjiakor I, Onwujekwe O, Palamar J. A systematic review of actors, actions, and outcomes of community-based efforts to prevent or reduce methamphetamine use. ADDICTION RESEARCH & THEORY 2023; 31:335-344. [PMID: 37990720 PMCID: PMC10659144 DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2023.2167982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Background There has been an increase in methamphetamine use across the globe, despite widespread control of the drug, prevention, and treatment. Community-based approaches have proven effective in tackling diverse health-related challenges including substance use; however, little is known regarding community programs targeting methamphetamine use. We conducted a systematic literature review on community programs aimed at tackling the use of methamphetamine across the globe. Method Relevant literature from peer-reviewed and gray literature sources were systematically identified. A grid template was used to extract and synthesize findings from retrieved literature regarding themes of actors, actions, and outcomes related to identified programs. Results A total of 19 documents met our inclusion criteria. Some of the dominant actors in efforts to reduce methamphetamine use in communities were local councils, drug enforcement units, influential persons in the community, people who use or had used methamphetamine, business corporations, and already-existing health promoting platforms. Actions taken were typically education/awareness/information campaigns. Drug enforcement agencies appeared to make little gains when acting alone, and appeared to drive dealers and users underground. Many of the efforts made at the community level were alluded to be beneficial; however, it was difficult to quantify the impact of programs. Community-level efforts also tended to cascade to other drugs. Conclusion Community-based actors and actions are diverse and critical to the prevention of methamphetamine use. There is a need to better coordinate and integrate different actors and interventions so that outcomes can be better monitored and evaluated for greater effectiveness in reducing methamphetamine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T. Orjiakor
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - John Eze
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Methodius Chinweoke
- Department of Health Administration and Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Michael Ezenwa
- Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Ijeoma Orjiakor
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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MacLean S, Harney A, Arabena K. Primary health-care responses to methamphetamine use in Australian Indigenous communities. Aust J Prim Health 2016; 21:384-90. [PMID: 25704260 DOI: 10.1071/py14126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as 'ice') use is currently a deeply concerning problem for some Australian Indigenous peoples and can cause serious harms to individual, families and communities. This paper is intended to support best practice responses by primary health-care staff working with Australian Indigenous people who use methamphetamine. It draws on a systematic search of relevant databases to identify literature from January 1999 to February 2014, providing an overview of prevalence, treatment, education and harm reduction, and community responses. The prevalence of methamphetamine use is higher in Indigenous than non-Indigenous communities, particularly in urban and regional settings. No evidence was identified that specifically related to effective treatment and treatment outcomes for Indigenous Australians experiencing methamphetamine dependence or problematic use. While studies involving methamphetamine users in the mainstream population suggest that psychological and residential treatments show short-term promise, longer-term outcomes are less clear. Community-driven interventions involving Indigenous populations in Australia and internationally appear to have a high level of community acceptability; however, outcomes in terms of methamphetamine use are rarely evaluated. Improved national data on prevalence of methamphetamine use among Indigenous people and levels of treatment access would support service planning. We argue for the importance of a strength-based approach to addressing methamphetamine use, to counteract the stigma and despair that frequently accompanies it.
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Carey G, Malbon E, Carey N, Joyce A, Crammond B, Carey A. Systems science and systems thinking for public health: a systematic review of the field. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e009002. [PMID: 26719314 PMCID: PMC4710830 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper reports on findings from a systematic review designed to investigate the state of systems science research in public health. The objectives were to: (1) explore how systems methodologies are being applied within public health and (2) identify fruitful areas of activity. DESIGN A systematic review was conducted from existing literature that draws on or uses systems science (in its various forms) and relates to key public health areas of action and concern, including tobacco, alcohol, obesity and the social determinants of health. DATA ANALYSIS 117 articles were included in the review. An inductive qualitative content analysis was used for data extraction. The following were systematically extracted from the articles: approach, methodology, transparency, strengths and weaknesses. These were then organised according to theme (ie, commonalities between studies within each category), in order to provide an overview of the state of the field as a whole. The assessment of data quality was intrinsic to the goals of the review itself, and therefore, was carried out as part of the analysis. RESULTS 4 categories of research were identified from the review, ranging from editorial and commentary pieces to complex system dynamic modelling. Our analysis of each of these categories of research highlighted areas of potential for systems science to strengthen public health efforts, while also revealing a number of limitations in the dynamic systems modelling being carried out in public health. CONCLUSIONS There is a great deal of interest in how the application of systems concepts and approach might aid public health. Our analysis suggests that soft systems modelling techniques are likely to be the most useful addition to public health, and align well with current debate around knowledge transfer and policy. However, the full range of systems methodologies is yet to be engaged with by public health researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Carey
- Regulatory Institutions Network Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Eleanor Malbon
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Carey
- Self-organizing Systems Research Group School of engineering and applied sciences Harvard University
| | - Andrew Joyce
- Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brad Crammond
- Centre for Epidemiology and Preventive Health. Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alan Carey
- Maths Science Institute Australian National University
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Quinlan KJ, Valenti M, Barovier L, Rots G, Harding W. Community-based environmental strategies to prevent the non-medical use of marijuana: A review of the literature. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2014. [DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2014.920766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Valenti
- Education Development Center, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | - Gisela Rots
- Education Development Center, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Wayne Harding
- Education Development Center, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA
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Gripenberg Abdon J, Wallin E, Andréasson S. Long-term effects of a community-based intervention: 5-year follow-up of 'Clubs against Drugs'. Addiction 2011; 106:1997-2004. [PMID: 21749523 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate long-term effects of a multi-component community-based club drug prevention programme. DESIGN A pre- (2003) and post-intervention study (2004 and 2008) design. SETTING High-risk licensed premises in central Stockholm, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS The intervention programme, 'Clubs against Drugs', included community mobilization, drug-training for doormen and other staff, policy work, increased enforcement, environmental changes and media advocacy and public relations work. MEASUREMENT The indicator chosen for this study was the frequency of doormen intervention towards obviously drug-intoxicated guests at licensed premises. Professional male actors (i.e. pseudopatrons) were trained to act impaired by cocaine/amphetamines while trying to enter licensed premises with doormen. An expert panel standardized the scene of drug intoxication. Each attempt was monitored by two male observers. FINDINGS At the follow-up study in 2008 the doormen intervened in 65.5% of the attempts (n=55), a significant improvement compared to 27.0% (n=48) at the first follow-up in 2004 and to 7.5% (n=40) at baseline in 2003. CONCLUSION The 'Clubs against Drugs' community-based intervention programme, a systems approach to prevention, appears to increase the frequency and effectiveness of club doormen's interventions regarding obviously drug-intoxicated guests.
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Lee CM, Chang FC, Miao NF, Shyu ML, Lee SC, Chang YC, Lin SH, Chen YT, Hsu MC, Ruo JP. Effects of a community prevention intervention on public awareness, knowledge, and risk perception of club drug use by youth in Taiwan. Subst Use Misuse 2011; 46:1265-74. [PMID: 21619445 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2011.571332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of mobilizing community coalitions and implementing prevention intervention concerning public awareness, knowledge, and perception of the risks associated with club drug use by Taiwanese urban youth. A quasi-experimental design was used. Three communities in Taipei city were included in the present study. A total of 328 residents successfully participated in the baseline survey (April 2008), and 276 residents were successfully interviewed for the follow-up survey (September 2008). The generalized estimating equation (GEE) method was used. The percentage of the intervention respondents who reported having seen or heard antidrug messages increased significantly between the time of the baseline survey (63.7%) and the follow-up survey (77.4%), while the percentage of attendance at antidrug events increased from 23.1% to 38.7% during the same time interval. In addition, community knowledge and perception of the problem of club drug use by youth rose significantly between the baseline and the follow-up in the intervention communities. The study's limitations are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Mei Lee
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Holder HD. Substance Abuse Treatment as Part of a Total System of Community Response. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2010. [DOI: 10.1177/145507251002700601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of substance abuse in many communities throughout the world is often separated from other social and health responses to alcohol and other drug harms. Current responses exist like silos within the community. In addition, there are population-level policy approaches concerning the distribution and sales of alcohol and the restrictions on and enforcement of illegal drugs which also exist only loosely connected to treatment (or prevention for that matter). A systems approach to substance abuse and related problems is described in which evaluation addresses both clinical patient needs as well as overall performance demonstration. Effectiveness can be measured both by population level reductions in use and associated problems, a second level of accountability, i.e., documented reductions in problems of at risk groups or clients whose drinking or drug use patterns place them at risk for future problems, and a third level of response for individuals with clearly identified substance-related problems, which requires intervention at the person level (typically called treatment). Thus within such a comprehensive system, treatment and prevention would lose their separate identities and would be employed according to local needs and the potential to achieve desired effects where the overall system is required to select the mix of strategies which maximizes effectiveness at each level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold D. Holder
- Prevention Research Center Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation Berkeley, California, USA
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