Using the internet to research hidden populations of illicit drug users: a review

Miller, Peter; Sønderlund, Anders Larrabee

doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02992.x

Cited by 150 publications

(127 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…We also want to emphasize that this is a hard-to-reach population that we tried to access through widely distributed leaflets and advertisements allowing access to potentially hidden subjects. However, this recruitment is likely to be selective since the process requires more action from the participants after having access to a computer and internet connection (Miller, & Sonderlund, 2010). And, although we cannot claim our subjects to be a representative sample of the population, patterns of cannabis use as well as ages of initiation among both males and females were similar to those found in Spanish general population surveys (Observatorio Español de Drogas, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Comorbilidad psiquiátrica en jóvenes-adultos consumidores de cannabis

Cuenca‐Royo¹,

Torrens

Sánchez-Niubò

et al. 2013

Adicciones

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Resumen AbstractThis cross-sectional study aims to determine lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders (including substance use disorders, -SUD and other non substance use disorders, -Non-SUD) among 289 young (18-30 years) regular cannabis users, during the last year, in non-clinical settings in Barcelona. The Spanish version of the Psychiatric Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM) was administered. Only 28% of the participants did not present any psychiatric disorder; while 65% had some SUD, the most common related to cannabis use (62%). Nearly 27% presented a non-SUD disorder. A younger age of initiation on alcohol use was associated with the presence of some SUD. Having consumed a greater number of "joints" in the last month was associated with the presence of both psychiatric disorders (SUD and non-SUD). While three quarters of subjects with non-SUD disorders had received some kind of treatment, only 28% of those with any SUD had received treatment. Given the low perception for need of treatment, there is a need for prevention strategies and to be able to offer therapies specifically tailored targeting young cannabis users.Key Words: cannabis, psychiatric disorders, treatment, PRISM.Este estudio transversal tiene como objetivo determinar la prevalencia vida de trastornos psiquiátricos (incluyendo los trastornos por uso de sustancias, -TUS y los otros trastornos no por uso de sustancias, -No-TUS) entre 289 jóvenes (18-30 años) consumidores regulares de cannabis durante el último año, reclutados fuera del entorno asistencial en Barcelona. Se administró la versión española de la Psychiatric Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM). Sólo el 28% de los participantes no presentó ningún trastorno psiquiátrico, y el 65% tenía algún TUS, el más común relacionado con el cannabis (62%). Casi el 27% presentó trastornos no-TUS. Una edad de inicio más temprana en el consumo de alcohol se asoció con la presencia de algún TUS. Haber consumido un número mayor de "porros" en el último mes se asoció con la presencia de trastornos psiquiátricos (TUS y no-TUS).Mientras tres cuartas partes de los pacientes con trastornos no-TUS habían recibido algún tipo de tratamiento, sólo el 28% de las personas con cualquier TUS habían recibido tratamiento. Dada la baja percepción de necesidad de tratamiento, se hacen necesarias estrategias de prevención y poder ofrecer terapias adaptadas y dirigidas a los consumidores jóvenes de cannabis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Comorbilidad psiquiátrica en jóvenes-adultos consumidores de cannabis

Cuenca‐Royo¹,

Torrens

Sánchez-Niubò

et al. 2013

Adicciones

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“…A textual qualitative analysis of forum postings was conducted (Fielding, Lee, & Blank, 2008;Miller & Sønderlund, 2010). The data file was read three times so as to familiarize and achieve an overview of the postings in an unbiased and open manner, and in the absence of any specific hypothesis pertaining to DNP.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

2,4-Dinitrophenol, the inferno drug: a netnographic study of user experiences in the quest for leanness

McVeigh

Germain

Hout

2016

Journal of Substance Use

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BackgroundDespite not being licensed for human consumption, the internet has triggered renewed, widespread interest and availability of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP). DNP, a cellular metabolic poison causes thermogenesis resulting in fat burning and weight loss. Whilst extensively available for purchase online, research on user experiences of DNP is limited. MethodsA netnographic approach was used to describe user experiences of DNP via online public websites. Public websites discussing DNP were identified and a purposeful sample selected.Discussion threads were downloaded and a textual qualitative analysis conducted. Four themes containing 71 categories were generated. ResultsThere exists a plethora of communal folk pharmacological advice and recommendations for DNP manufacture and use, together with associated harms and outcomes. The efficacy and untoward effects of DNP were described and discussed alongside the notion that DNP should only be used by experienced bodybuilders. Dosage and regimes for optimal use were also described. ConclusionThis unique study provides a rich examination of the knowledge, attitudes and motivations of DNP users, illustrating the significant role of online public websites in sharing information.Further understanding of DNP users and the online communities in which they reside is warranted to facilitate engagement and formulate appropriate and effective policy responses.

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“…The use of smartphone technologies for this purpose has been termed mHealth (Tamony, Holt, & Barnard, 2015). mHealth falls within the broader field of electronic research or e-research (Kypri & Lee, 2009;Miller & Sønderlund, 2010). E-research is commonly used to study human participants from populations difficult to identify, recruit and retain in research and treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Realising the technological promise of smartphones in addiction research and treatment: An ethical review

Capon

Hall

Fry

et al. 2016

International Journal of Drug Policy

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Background: Smartphone technologies and mHealth applications (or apps) promise unprecedented scope for data collection, treatment intervention, and relapse prevention when used in the field of substance abuse and addiction. This potential also raises new ethical challenges that researchers, clinicians, and software developers must address. Aims: This paper aims to identify ethical issues in the current uses of smartphones in addiction research and treatment. Methods: A search of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycInfo) identified 33 studies involving smartphones or mHealth applications for use in the research and treatment of substance abuse and addiction. A content analysis was conducted to identify how smartphones are being used in these fields and to highlight the ethical issues raised by these studies. Results: Smartphones are being used to collect large amounts of sensitive information, including personal information, geo-location, physiological activity, self-reports of mood and cravings, and the consumption of illicit drugs, alcohol and nicotine. Given that detailed information is being collected about potentially illegal behaviour, we identified the following ethical considerations: protecting user privacy, maximising equity in access, ensuring informed consent, providing participants with adequate clinical resources, communicating clinically relevant results to individuals, and the urgent need to demonstrate evidence of safety and efficacy of the technologies. Conclusions: mHealth technology offers the possibility to collect large amounts of valuable personal information that may enhance research and treatment of substance abuse and addiction. To realise this potential researchers, clinicians and app-developers must address these ethical concerns to maximise the benefits and minimise risks of harm to users.

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Using the internet to research hidden populations of illicit drug users: a review

Cited by 150 publications

References 62 publications

Comorbilidad psiquiátrica en jóvenes-adultos consumidores de cannabis

Comorbilidad psiquiátrica en jóvenes-adultos consumidores de cannabis

2,4-Dinitrophenol, the inferno drug: a netnographic study of user experiences in the quest for leanness

Realising the technological promise of smartphones in addiction research and treatment: An ethical review

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