Use of Official Data in Measuring Patterns of Drug Use in the Community: Merits and Limitations (From Alcohol and Drugs: Research and Policy, P 95-109, 1990, Martin Plant, Cees Goos, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-129672)

• NCJ Number: 129682
• Author(s): M Croquet; S Ledoux
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: University of Edinburgh Press
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

The prevention of drug abuse is likely to be aided by research that determines the levels and patterns of drug abuse in the community and that indicates the demographic, social, and psychological characteristics of drug users and the traits of those most at risk of adverse consequences.

Abstract

Official statistics that provide indirect information include mortality data, morbidity data, prescription and retail pharmacy records, police and court statistics, and economic statistics. The indirect indicators are inexpensive and easily accessible, but they give only simple and minimal information. Direct measurement through household and population surveys make possible more accurate measurement. However, such surveys generally require considerable time and funding. They also involve many methodological problems, including overreporting or underreporting, issues related to nonrespondents, and the difficulty of obtaining representative samples. A first step in developing international comparisons would be for each country to compile a list and explanation of sources of available data and an estimate of their reliability and validity. 17 references