Team research methods for studying intranasal heroin use and its HIV risks

Area of Science:

• Sociology and Public Health Research Methods
• Qualitative and Quantitative Social Science Research

Background:

• Traditional ethnographic research often employs a "Lone Ranger" approach, limiting scope and depth.
• Previous team-based ethnography was often homogeneous, with members conducting similar investigations.
• Douglas (1976) advocated for heterogeneous research teams to tackle larger projects and gain multiple perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility of heterogeneous team field research in studying new heroin use and its connection to HIV/AIDS.
• To combine ethnographic insights with indigenous staff perspectives for comprehensive data collection.
• To generate timely and valid data for informing public policy on new heroin use.

Main Methods:

• Assembled a heterogeneous field research team comprising ethnographers and selected indigenous staff from the CO-INVESTIGATORS Program (COIP).
• Integrated qualitative ethnographic methods with quantitative survey research efforts.
• Conducted research on new heroin use, focusing on factors influencing injection decisions and potential trends.

Main Results:

• The team field research method allowed for the discernment of potential trends in new heroin use.
• Deep understanding was achieved regarding factors influencing the decision to inject heroin.
• Data were collected quickly and economically, proving useful and valid for policy implications.

Conclusions:

• Team field research, particularly when combining diverse expertise, is effective for complex social issues.
• New heroin use warrants further study due to its potential to form a new cohort of long-term users.
• Education on heroin's addictiveness is crucial for youth, as intranasal use predominates, with peer pressure against injection.