Historique
Article de Périodique
Using the internet to research hidden populations of illicit drug users: a review (2010)
Auteur(s) :
MILLER, P. G. ;
SONDERLUND, A. L.
Année
2010
Page(s) :
1557-1567
Sous-type de document :
Revue de la littérature / Literature review
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Refs biblio. :
77
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
EPI (Epidémiologie / Epidemiology)
Thésaurus mots-clés
POPULATION CACHEE
;
INTERNET
;
RECHERCHE
;
PRODUIT ILLICITE
;
MDMA-ECSTASY
;
DROGUES DE SYNTHESE
;
METHODE
Résumé :
AIMS: To review the current research of hidden populations of illicit drugs users using web-based methods and discuss major advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: Systematic review of 16 databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CSA Sociological Abstracts, Expanded Academic ASAP and Google Scholar. FINDINGS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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. [Author's abstract]
Affiliation :
School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia / Australie. petermiller.mail@gmail.com