Using the Internet to research hidden populations of illicit drug users : a review
Data(s) |
01/09/2010
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Resumo |
<b>Aims </b>To review the current research of hidden populations of illicit drugs users using web-based methods and discuss major advantages and disadvantages.<br /><br /><b>Methods </b>Systematic review of 16 databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CSA Sociological Abstracts, Expanded Academic ASAP and Google Scholar.<br /><br /><b>Findings </b>Substances researched were most commonly ‘party/club drugs’ (such as ecstasy) and cannabis. All of the studies reviewed concluded that the internet is a useful tool for reaching hidden populations, but is likely to impose some bias in samples. Advantages include: access to previously under-researched target groups; speed; international applications; increased ease of data entry; and improved confidentiality for respondents. The major disadvantage is a lack of representativeness of samples.<br /><br /><b>Conclusions </b>Internet research is successful at accessing hidden populations of illicit drugs users, when appropriately targeted and provides unprecedented opportunities for research across a wide range of topics within the addictions field. Findings are unlikely to be generalisable to the general public, but appropriate for describing target populations.<br /> |
Identificador | |
Idioma(s) |
eng |
Publicador |
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. |
Relação |
http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30032266/miller-usingtheinternet-2010.pdf http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02992.x |
Direitos |
2010, The Authors |
Palavras-Chave | #Ecstasy #Hidden populations #Illicit drug use #Internet #Party drugs #Research methods #Web |
Tipo |
Journal Article |