Improving understanding of psychostimulant-related harms in Australia: An integrated ethno-epidemiological approach

National drug surveys and surveillance systems have detected sharp increases in the use of ‘psychostimulant’ drugs such as the amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine. The level of harms associated with excessive use of these drugs, such as mental health problems and drug dependence, has also increased, as has the use of these drugs via injection. These increases in the prevalence of use and related harms have also been detected internationally. Previous research on psychostimulant drugs, in Australia and overseas, has suggested that using these drugs in particular ways might be associated with a greater chance of contracting HIV and other blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis C (eg, through sharing needles and syringes or other equipment associated with injecting drugs); sexually transmitted infections and other sexual health problems (eg, through unsafe sex); and of being involved in violent incidents. Despite this previous research, however, little is known about the specific social and cultural contexts associated with psychostimulant-related harms, and this has stymied the development of appropriate responses to prevent such harms occurring. This research project will provide a greater understanding of the individual, social and cultural factors associated with psychostimulant-related harms through an innovative combination and integration of anthropological and epidemiological approaches known as ‘ethno-epidemiology’. In order to access a diverse range of psychostimulant-using contexts, research will focus on three urban sites: street-based drug users in Sydney, club drug users in Melbourne and home-based, recreational drug users in Perth. These groups have been chosen because they have high prevalences of psychostimulant use. The research project will provide important data that will inform future interventions, improve multidisciplinary models for drug research, and build Australia’s capacity to conduct cutting-edge public health research.