Despite increasing use of the illicit substance known as ecstasy, there is a paucity of research concerning psychosocial correlates of its use. A prospective study examined the ability of variables specified by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict ecstasyuse intentions and behavior. Regression analyses showed that theory of reasoned action and TPB variables provided good prediction of intentions to use the substance. Moreover, support was obtained for a distinction between perceptions of behavioral conwol over taking ecstasy vs. control over obtaining the substance in the prediction of intentions. Habit contributed additional variance to the prediction of intentions, and reduced the effects of perceived behavioral control over taking ecstasy to nonsignificance. Ecstasy use over 2 months was directly predicted from intentions to use the substance.
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Objective-To examine the composition of illicitly manufactured "ecstasy" tablets sold on the UK drugs market. Methods-Analysis by gas chromatography of 25 jl) were analysed by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection. Samples were injected onto a silated glass (1.5 m x 4 mm internal diameter) column packed with 2% potassium hydroxide and 10% Apiezon L on Chromosorb-w-(AW) 100-120 mesh. Nitrogen at a flow rate of 60 ml/min was the carrier gas; hydrogen flow was at 1.0 kg/cm2 and air flow 1.2 kg/cm2. Analysis for the presence of amphetamine, methylamphetamine, methyldioxyamphetamine (MDA), MDMA, methyldioxyethamphetamine (MDEA), and a range of other drugs took place over a temperature gradient held at 1 55°C for 10 min followed by an increase of 8°C/min to a final temperature of 195°C. Temperatures of the injection and detector ports were 200°C and 190°C respec-tively. Extracts of tablets and quality control samples were measured against known concentrations of standards (10 gg/ml) and the detector recalibrated after every 10th sample. Paracetamol and caffeine were assayed by enzyme colorimetric assay and ketamine by using an in-house gas chromatography-mass spectrometry procedure. ResultsEach of the ecstasy samples in the present study was in tablet form, except for one, rhubarb and custard, which was a red and yellow capsule containing powder. Weights and dimensions of the tablets varied (see table 1). Of the 25 tablets handed in, doves (small white tablets embossed with a dove shape on one side) were the most common (n=7) and all contained MDMA (range 19-140 mg). One of these dove tablets also contained traces of caffeine. A further five tablets (love heart, MDMA tablet, New Yorker, purple heart, and the rhubarb and custard capsule) also contained doses of MDMA (range 2-105 mg). One of these five tablets (purple heart) contained traces of caffeine and another (MDMA tablet) contained 39 mg of caffeine. The only capsule, 194 on 7 June 2019 by guest. Protected by copyright.
Objectives. The present research aimed to examine the psychosocial determinants of ecstasy use in young people in the UK. Design. Two studies applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to understanding ecstasy use. In Study 1, students completed questionnaires measuring components of the TPB. In Study 2, a random sample of members of a nightclub completed measures of attitudinal ambivalence and components of the TPB in relation to taking ecstasy in the next two months. Reported use of ecstasy was assessed two months later. Methods. Both studies employed self‐completion questionnaires. In Study 1 a single questionnaire was completed by 186 students. In Study 2 a first questionnaire was completed by 203 members of a nightclub and a second questionnaire two months later by 123 respondents. Results. In Study 1, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control accounted for 50 per cent of the variance in intentions. In Study 2, TPB components explained 63 per cent of the variance in intentions. Intentions and perceived control explained 55 per cent of the variance in subsequent ecstasy use. Attitudinal ambivalence moderated the intention‐behaviour relationship such that the impact of intentions on subsequent behaviour was significantly stronger for individuals with lower levels of ambivalence. Conclusions. The TPB provided a good basis for understanding intentions and actual use of ecstasy in young people in the UK. The different beliefs of users and non‐users may form a useful basis for health education.
This paper provides an outline of an industrial approach to behaviour change, which ranges from a process to design and develop behaviour change interventions, to the development and use of technology to shape and measure behaviour (and subsequently changes therein). The focus here is on the normal population (with varying degrees in health status) in developed as well as emerging markets, cutting across a wide range of cultures and nationalities. The key desired behaviours of interest are: tooth brushing twice a day, and if adhered to, brushing for two minutes with a full coverage of all teeth. The approach taken starts with a succinct overview of key theoretical features of behaviour change, which have been assembled into a process for intervention design. Different examples of interventions will be discussed, with the main distinction of group size and scale. In this approach technology is used to provide detailed 1-to-1 feedback, and/ or to measure behaviour in a laboratory setting, and beyond that in the wider setting of people's homes. Finally a case study will be presented on the measurement of brushing behaviour following a simulated public health communication campaign. There is little doubt about how people can contribute to good oral health and hygiene through their own behaviour 1 . In essence this concerns brushing teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride containing toothpaste 2 . Still this elementary behaviour is not as widely and fully practiced as dentists and health organisations would like it to be in order to achieve a basic health status worldwide. The premise in this paper is that behaviour change and interventions to evoke change are essential to achieve this.When asked to design a behaviour change intervention that works, the immediate question arises: How? Different theoretical models have identified mechanisms that underpin behaviour change, often each model describing a different facet and emphasising a different mode of action. This can be challenging for designers of interventions as to which is the best route to follow. This paper presents a pragmatic approach rooted in behaviour change theory that provides a framework for the design of behaviour change interventions, these being of a technological nature or in the form of communication. Technology can and should be used to shape behaviour, for example, it can provide insight to the individual about the exact nature of their behaviour which otherwise may remain unknown. It can equally be used to inform the designer of behaviour change interventions of the behaviours subjects (patient or consumer) conduct without having to ask. The type of technology that can be utilised most effectively and efficiently depends on whether the target for behaviour change is an individual, a small cohesive group (e.g. classroom) or a large group of unrelated individuals (e.g. country population). Examples at both ends of this scale, specifically the value of detailed individual feedback and large-scale communication campaigns will be d...
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