Understanding synthetic drug analogues among the homeless population from the perspectives of the public: thematic analysis of Twitter data

Authors: Coombs, T., Abdelkader, A., Ginige, T., Van Calster, P. and Assi, S.

Journal: Journal of Substance Use

Volume: 29

Issue: 4

Pages: 501-508

eISSN: 1475-9942

ISSN: 1465-9891

DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2023.2173092

Abstract:

Objectives: The last few years have seen the rapid emergence of synthetic drug derivatives known as new psychoactive substances (NPS) among the homeless population. Previous research has focused on understanding the issues from homeless or stakeholder perspectives but not the public’s. The purpose of this research is to understand the perspectives of the public and service providers regarding NPS use among the homeless population using thematic analysis of Twitter data. Method: Tweets from Twitter were extracted and imported into NVivo 12 for thematic analysis. Tweets were included if they were written and related to NPS among the homeless. Excluded tweets were those related to interventional studies or with personalized information. Results: The findings showed that two NPS were discussed on Twitter being novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). Thematic analysis of Twitter discussions revealed that individuals held a negative attitude toward the government and the services provided to the homeless NPS users, for both NSOs and SCRAs. Conclusion: In summary, NSOs were more frequently discussed on the Twitter platform than SCRAs. NSOs were consumed by homeless population in the United States and Canada, and SCRA by the homeless in the United Kingdom.

Source: Scopus