Knowledge and Attitudes About Crystal Methamphetamine Among Key Community Groups in Australia

Background

Crystal methamphetamine use is a global health concern and highly stigmatised. Amid increased international focus on drug use as a health concern, the current study aimed to examine knowledge and attitudes around crystal methamphetamine among key groups in a contemporary Australian community sample.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in February–April 2022 (n = 736), open to all Australian residents aged 18 years and over. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed among people who use crystal methamphetamine, family/friends, health workers, and the general community. Data was combined with a previous 2019 survey (n = 2108) and linear regression examined factors associated with knowledge and attitudes.

Results

Stigmatising attitudes were common among people who had not used crystal methamphetamine, and they were more likely to endorse negative statements than those who had. Family/friends and community members, females, and respondents from regional areas had the highest stigma scores. Of those who used crystal methamphetamine, 70.9% reported experiencing discrimination. Higher knowledge scores (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with less stigmatising attitudes as was being surveyed in 2022 compared to 2019. Health workers demonstrated the highest knowledge scores.

Conclusions

Stigmatising attitudes towards crystal methamphetamine remain prevalent, and experiences of discrimination towards people who use it are common. Evidence-based education and initiatives to reduce both public and self-stigma associated with crystal methamphetamine are needed.

So What?

Stigma towards people who use methamphetamine remains common in Australia. This study highlights the need for targeted, evidence-based stigma reduction strategies to encourage help-seeking and improve health outcomes for people who use methamphetamine.