Evaluation of a national toolkit about crystal methamphetamine: Are attitudes towards the drug changing?

Abstract

Introduction: A national Australian study in 2019 found that crystal methamphetamine was associated with high levels of stigma and discrimination. Given the increased awareness of the impact of stigma on wellbeing and help-seeking, this study aimed to determine if there has been any changes in knowledge and attitudes towards crystal methamphetamine and people who use it. This study also aimed to determine if interaction with Cracks in the Ice (cracksintheice.org.au, CITI), an evidence-based resource portal about crystal methamphetamine, impacts knowledge and/or attitudes.   Method: A national online cross-sectional survey was conducted from February-April 2022 among 736 Australian residents aged 18 years and over. Participants (67% female, mean age: 41.3 years) completed validated scales to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding crystal methamphetamine and people who use the drug. Data was analysed and compared to previous data collection in 2019 (n=2,108) using two-tailed t-tests and multiple linear regressions. Comparisons between people who had and had not accessed CITI before were also conducted.   Results: Attitude scores were significantly lower (p=0.002) compared to the previous study, indicating that participants held fewer stigmatising beliefs. However, there was a significant decrease in knowledge scores (p<0.001) since 2019. At baseline, knowledge scores were higher (p<0.001), and attitude scores lower (p<0.001) among participants who reported previously visiting CITI, compared to CITI-naïve participants.   Discussion: Participants held less stigmatising or negative beliefs in this study compared to the previous, however, knowledge about crystal methamphetamine has also declined. Encouragingly, people who interact with Cracks in the Ice held lower stigmatising attitudes.