NCJ Number
204122
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 49-65
Editor(s)
Betsy Thom
Date Published
February 2004
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article describes research on drug issues affecting minority ethnic groups, specifically Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani people living in Glasgow.
Abstract
The research in this study attempted to establish whether a low representation of Black and minority ethnic clients reflects lower levels of problem use and/or problems in presenting at currently available services. To obtain a wide spectrum of views within the groups, young people in the 16 to 25 age group were surveyed, and views were also obtained from adults. An interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with young people, Pakistani (n=73), Indian (n=47), and Chinese (n=54), in an attempt to explore patterns of drug consumption and knowledge of and attitudes towards available services. In addition, 10 focus group discussions were conducted involving young people and key informants from each community, plus police, agency staff, and service users. Results are presented on prevalence and predictors, responses and service provision, focus group results, cultural sensitivity, and interviews. Among the three ethnic groups, use and misuse of drugs is reportedly present and increasing among young people with cannabis being the most prevalent drug. However, prevalence is generally reported at lower levels than reported for the general population. In general, the participants agreed that mainstream services tended to be inadequate in terms of their provision with respect to the specific cultural and religious pressures facing Black and minority ethnic clients. The overall conclusion is that choices should be available, and stereotypes and general assumptions should be avoided. References