Julia McQuoid1, Johannes Thrul2, Kekoa Lopez-Paguyo3, Pamela M Ling4. 1. TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Department of Preventive and Family Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and 2 Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco; Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco; TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Electronic address: julia-mcquoid@ouhsc.edu. 2. Department of Mental Health Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. 3. Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley; Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco. 4. Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multiple drug use involves particular pleasures and risks, and is disproportionately practiced by some minority and socially marginalized groups. The unique patterns, intentions, and social contexts of multiple drug use for these groups are poorly understood. METHODS: Our mixed method integrates geo-enabled smartphone survey data collection with a qualitative mapping interview method. This brief report presents data from one study participant to demonstrate this method's potential contributions to multiple drug use research for priority groups in different settings. RESULTS: 'Jason's' data revealed the interrelated dynamics within his drug use repertoire and links between his substance use to rural life as a transgender person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cigarettes played a role in coping with acute stress from repeatedly being misgendered. Cannabis intoxication helped manage social interactions as a person with ASD, while 'chasing' with cigarettes calibrated cannabis intoxication. Methamphetamine use related to managing body dysmorphia in a rural context with poor access to transgender health services. CONCLUSION: This mixed method can integrate reliable and ecologically valid assessments of multiple drug use repertoires and combination patterns with the place-embedded experiences, intersecting identities, structural barriers, and intentions related to multiple drug use for different priority groups.
BACKGROUND: Multiple drug use involves particular pleasures and risks, and is disproportionately practiced by some minority and socially marginalized groups. The unique patterns, intentions, and social contexts of multiple drug use for these groups are poorly understood. METHODS: Our mixed method integrates geo-enabled smartphone survey data collection with a qualitative mapping interview method. This brief report presents data from one study participant to demonstrate this method's potential contributions to multiple drug use research for priority groups in different settings. RESULTS: 'Jason's' data revealed the interrelated dynamics within his drug use repertoire and links between his substance use to rural life as a transgender person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cigarettes played a role in coping with acute stress from repeatedly being misgendered. Cannabis intoxication helped manage social interactions as a person with ASD, while 'chasing' with cigarettes calibrated cannabis intoxication. Methamphetamine use related to managing body dysmorphia in a rural context with poor access to transgender health services. CONCLUSION: This mixed method can integrate reliable and ecologically valid assessments of multiple drug use repertoires and combination patterns with the place-embedded experiences, intersecting identities, structural barriers, and intentions related to multiple drug use for different priority groups.
Keywords:
Geographic information systems; ecological momentary assessment; polydrug use; qualitative research; sexual and gender minorites; social determinants of health; substance use
Authors: Jennifer L Pearson; Sabrina L Smiley; Leslie F Rubin; Andrew Anesetti-Rothermel; Hoda Elmasry; Megan Davis; Teresa DeAtley; Emily Harvey; Thomas Kirchner; David B Abrams Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2016-04-22 Impact factor: 2.692