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How to find future ecstasy-users: targeted and snowball sampling in an ethically sensitive context
Hylke K E Vervaeke1, Dirk J Korf, Annemieke Benschop
1Bonger Institute for Criminology, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 1030, 1000 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. H.K.E.Vervaeke@uva.nl
Addictive Behaviors
|December 26, 2006
Summary
This study tracked new ecstasy (MDMA) users to investigate neurotoxicity. The Netherlands XTC Toxicity Study (NeXT) successfully recruited and followed participants, overcoming sampling challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ecstasy (MDMA) use is prevalent, yet its long-term neurotoxic effects require further investigation.
- Prospective longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding the neurotoxicity of recreational drugs.
- The Netherlands XTC Toxicity Study (NeXT) was designed to address these knowledge gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the design and sampling procedures for a prospective longitudinal study on ecstasy (MDMA) neurotoxicity.
- To recruit and follow a cohort of individuals with the intention to use ecstasy.
- To identify and address ethical and practical challenges in studying recreational drug users.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal multidisciplinary study design.
- Targeted and snowball sampling to recruit 188 ecstasy-naive participants at baseline.
- Baseline and follow-up assessments including questionnaires, medical, and neuropsychological examinations over 11-26 months.
Main Results:
- 160 participants (85.1%) remained at follow-up.
- 65 participants (40.6%) initiated ecstasy use during the study.
- The 'intention to use' criterion proved effective for participant recruitment.
Conclusions:
- The NeXT study successfully implemented a rigorous design to investigate ecstasy (MDMA) neurotoxicity.
- The study highlights practical solutions for sampling challenges in studying recreational drug users.
- The findings provide a foundation for future research on the neurotoxic effects of MDMA.
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