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Perceived risk of methamphetamine among Chinese methamphetamine users
Brian C Kelly1, Tieqiao Liu2, Xiaozhao Yosef Yang1
1Purdue University, USA.
The International Journal on Drug Policy
|June 14, 2014
Summary
Many Chinese methamphetamine users underestimate drug risks, perceiving infrequent use as safe. Interventions targeting risk perception are crucial for reducing methamphetamine use intentions and future use.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Use Research
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Methamphetamine use is a growing public health concern in China.
- Understanding user risk perceptions is vital for effective health promotion strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate perceived risks of methamphetamine use among Chinese users.
- To explore how risk perception influences drug use intentions and expectations.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining survey and qualitative interview data.
- Respondent-Driven Sampling recruited 303 methamphetamine users in Changsha, China.
Main Results:
- A majority perceive infrequent methamphetamine use as low-risk (59.1%).
- Most users (82.2%) find methamphetamine easily obtainable.
- Perceived risk and availability significantly shape intentions and expectations of future use.
Conclusions:
- Significant user-perceived risks exist, but many do not view methamphetamine use as problematic.
- Intervening on risk perceptions may be an effective strategy to influence methamphetamine use intentions.