Changes in method for obtaining better outcomes in the recruitment of synthetic drug users. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Remy, Lysa; Von Diemen, Lisia; Surratt, Hilary L.; Kurtz, Steven P.; Pechansky, Flavio
• Is Part Of: Addiction research & theory. Volume 22:Number 5(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 380
• Page End: 385
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; Behavior, Addictive -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.3109/16066359.2013.867431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1606-6359

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To describe the problems encountered and resolved in the course of using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), targeted canvassing (TARC), and ethnographic fieldwork (EFW) to recruit ecstasy and/or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) users. <italic>Method</italic>: This study is nested within a larger project designed to investigate the course of drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and psychiatric comorbidities in 240 ecstasy/LSD users. Eligible participants were males and females with ages ranging from 18 to 39 years, who reported ecstasy and/or LSD use at least once during the 90 days prior to interview and were not under treatment for drug and alcohol problems. Strategies were implemented sequentially, over four-month time frames for each method, aiming at fulfilling study objectives. <italic>Results</italic>: The final sample included 174 participants (64.36% males). Eight (4.6%) were selected using RDS, 26 (14.94%) with TARC, and 140 (80.45%) using EFW. RDS recruited participants with a higher education level, employed, and with a higher monthly income. Conversely, a higher frequency of drug usage and a higher number of drugs ever used were evident among participants selected via EFW. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Different recruitment techniques reached different types of participants. EFW showed the best performance, granting access to the largest number of participants and with a higher number of drugs ever used. Both RDS and TARC required more time to recruit participants and yielded a lower number of eligible subjects. Participants recruited via RDS had a higher socioeconomic level but also a shorter lifetime history of drug use.</p> </abstract>