Measurement of Problems in Community Surveys (From Alcohol and Drugs: Research and Policy, P 58-70, 1990, Martin Plant, Cees Goos, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-129672)

• NCJ Number: 129679
• Author(s): H F L Garretsen
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: University of Edinburgh Press
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This analysis of survey methods used in measuring problems related to the use of alcohol and other drugs concludes that population surveys are more useful than other methods, although they have limitations due to methodological problems.

Abstract

The main flaw of population surveys is underestimation. In addition, health problems are more difficult to measure than social problems. Moreover, illicit drug use is probably harder to measure than alcohol use and may require other methods such as observation studies, snowball surveys, key informant studies, or multisource studies. More European research has focused on alcohol than on illegal drugs. Future research should carefully consider methodological issues, include studies of polydrug use and related problems, include questions about drug abuse in general health surveys, and include policy recommendations. 35 references