Author:
Udplong Anusorn,Apidechkul Tawatchai,Srichan Peeradone,Mulikaburt Thanatchaporn,Wongnuch Pilasinee,Kitchanapaibul Siwarak,Upala Panupong,Chomchoei Chalitar,Yeemard Fartima,Tamornpark Ratipark,Singkhorn Onnalin
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The stigma related to drug use has several impacts, including effects on users’ physical and mental health. Methamphetamine is a major drug that is used among hill tribes living in the border areas of Thailand and Myanmar. This study aimed to understand the drivers, facilitators, sources and outcomes of the stigma surrounding drug use, including the expectations among Akha and Lau hill tribe people who use methamphetamine in Thailand.
Methods
Qualitative data were used to elicit information from key informants and members of the hill tribes who used methamphetamine. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and tested for validity before use. In-depth interviews were used to confidentially gather information from the participants in private rooms in villages. Each interview lasted 45 min, and a thematic analysis was conducted to examine the findings.
Results
A total of 46 participants were recruited to provide information; 95.7% were male, and 50.0% were aged 15–34 years. The majority were married (47.8%), 76.1% were Christian, and 45.7% graduated high school. Six drivers of stigma were detected: being poor, illiterate, unemployed, working aged, female, and married. Culture and tribe acted as facilitators of the stigma attached to methamphetamine use. Four sources of stigma were found: self, family members, peers, and community members. Three outcomes of stigma were determined: poor physical health, mental health, and relationships with others. There were four levels of expectations: no expectations, expectations for themselves, expectations for their family members, and expectations for their community members.
Conclusions
Many personal traits, people living nearby, and socioeconomic factors, including culture and tribes, act as drivers, facilitators, and sources of stigma among hill tribe people who use methamphetamine. A program to reduce methamphetamine use among hill tribes should be implemented, which could eventually minimize stigma.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Reference54 articles.
1. The United Nations (UN). UNODC world drug report 2020: global drug use rising; while COVID-19 has far reaching impact on global drug markers. Available from: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/press/releases/2020/June/media-advisory---global-launch-of-the-2020-world-drug-report.html. Accessed 11 Aug 2021.
2. The United Nations (UN). Office on drug and crime: statistical annex. 2021. Available from: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/wdr2021_annex.html. Accessed 11 Aug 2021.
3. Chomchai C, Na Manorom N, Watanarungsan P, Yossuck P, Chomchai S. Methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy and its health impact on neonates born at Siriraj hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2004;35(1):228–31.
4. Darke S, Kaye S, Mcketin R, Duflou J. Major physical and psychological harms of methamphetamine use. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2008;27:253–62.
5. Lebni JY, Ziapour A, Qorbani M, Baygi F, Mirzaei A, Safari O, et al. The consequences of regular methamphetamine use in Tehran: qualitative content analysis. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 2020;15(33):1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-020-00277-3.
Cited by
2 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献