The Use of New Synthetic Drugs among Problem Drug Users - Prevalence, Patterns of Use, and Related Risks as a Challenge for Harm Reduction Programmes in the Czech Republic
Abstract
BACKGROUND: After the closure of smart shops (also referred to as "Amsterdam shops") in the Czech Republic in 2011, new synthetic drugs (NSDs) spread within specific groups of drug users in the country, problem drug users (PDUs) being one of them. AIMS: The aim of this analysis is to assess: (a) the prevalence of NSD use among PDUs in regions where these substances are present; (b) the characteristics of the population affected by NSD use and the motivations for this use; (c) the differences between the capital city and other regions, and (d) the main risks related to NSD use.
This article also discusses the possibilities of harm reduction within this population. METHODS: Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews in five regions affected by NSD use were deployed.
This study demonstrates differences between the years 2013 and 2014 using the chi2 test and qualitative data analysis. SAMPLE: 466 respondents filled in the questionnaire (72.2% male, Ø age 32.9 years), 271 in 2013 and 195 in 2014; 71% in Prague. 87 semi-structured interviews were conducted (64 in 2013 and 23 in 2014).
FINDINGS: About half of the respondents had used NSDs in the past 12 months (52.4% in 2013 and 52.0% in 2014). In both years, over half of the respondents in Prague used NSDs; outside Prague the prevalence of NSD use decreased to 23.7% in 2014.
Those who had used NSDs in the past 12 months showed higher levels of risky drug use. CONCLUSIONS: NSDs became well established among the group of PDUs, usually as one of many substances used.
Information exchange between PDUs and the EWS should be a priority for public health-oriented policies.