Wei J Chen1, Shang-Chi Wu2, Wen-Ing Tsay3, Yen-Tyng Chen4, Po-Chang Hsiao5, Ya-Hui Yu2, Te-Tien Ting2, Chuan-Yu Chen6, Yu-Kang Tu7, Jiun-Hau Huang8, Hao-Jan Yang9, Chung-Yi Li10, Carol Strong10, Cheng-Fang Yen11, Chia-Feng Yen12, Jui Hsu3. 1. Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Genetic Epidemiology Core, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address: wjchen@ntu.edu.tw. 2. Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan. 3. Division of Controlled Drugs, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA), Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan. 4. Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA. 5. Genetic Epidemiology Core, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. 6. Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center of Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan. 7. Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. 8. Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. 9. Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. 10. Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. 11. Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital & School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 12. Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examined variation between users of 'club' and 'hard' drugs in Taiwan in terms of prevalence of use and demographics and psychosocial characteristics. METHODS: Data were derived from a survey of 17,837 Taiwanese civilians, aged 12-64 years, using stratified, multi-stage, random sampling. Participants completed a computer-assisted self-interview on tablet computers which covered use of legal substances, sedatives/hypnotics and prescription analgesics; use of illicit drugs/inhalants, risky sexual experiences; expectations of drugs; and psychological distress. FINDINGS: Approximately 1.29% of respondents reported ever using an illicit drug in their lifetime; prevalence estimates of club drugs (mainly ketamine, marijuana, and ecstasy) were slightly higher than hard drugs (mainly methamphetamine and heroin). Concurrent use of legal substances, particularly problematic use of alcohol and tobacco, as well as non-medical use of prescription drugs, were strong correlates of illicit drug use in general, with club drug use exhibiting an extremely strong association with alcohol use. Club drug users were demographically different from hard drug users, including in terms of their gender, age, and level of educational attainment. They were also more likely to be divorced or widowed, to report risky sexual partnerships and more depressive symptoms than hard drug users. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate drug type specific distinct psychosocial characteristics, which may warrant further attention in the design of treatment and intervention programs.
BACKGROUND: This study examined variation between users of 'club' and 'hard' drugs in Taiwan in terms of prevalence of use and demographics and psychosocial characteristics. METHODS: Data were derived from a survey of 17,837 Taiwanese civilians, aged 12-64 years, using stratified, multi-stage, random sampling. Participants completed a computer-assisted self-interview on tablet computers which covered use of legal substances, sedatives/hypnotics and prescription analgesics; use of illicit drugs/inhalants, risky sexual experiences; expectations of drugs; and psychological distress. FINDINGS: Approximately 1.29% of respondents reported ever using an illicit drug in their lifetime; prevalence estimates of club drugs (mainly ketamine, marijuana, and ecstasy) were slightly higher than hard drugs (mainly methamphetamine and heroin). Concurrent use of legal substances, particularly problematic use of alcohol and tobacco, as well as non-medical use of prescription drugs, were strong correlates of illicit drug use in general, with club drug use exhibiting an extremely strong association with alcohol use. Club drug users were demographically different from hard drug users, including in terms of their gender, age, and level of educational attainment. They were also more likely to be divorced or widowed, to report risky sexual partnerships and more depressive symptoms than hard drug users. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate drug type specific distinct psychosocial characteristics, which may warrant further attention in the design of treatment and intervention programs.