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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2022, 24, N4 (pages: 19 - 25)

How to Assess Visibility of Drug-Related Stigmatized Behaviours? Does the Choice of Method Matter?

Rastegari A., Haghdoost A., Mehrolhassani M.H., Azizian M., HajiMaghsoudim S., and Baneshi M.R.

Summary: Background: Estimating the population size of hidden groups through Network Scale-Up (NSU) method has practical appeal. An important assumptions behind NSU is that the members of the active social network of individuals are aware of their hidden behaviours. Two main methods proposed to estimate visibility factor (VF) are Game of Contact (GC) and Social Respect (SR). Our aim is to address whether method of calculation of VF is a matter. Methods: In the GC study, 210 egos who used opium, heroin, and methamphetamine were recruited (70 for each type). We selected 20 names and asked egos about the total number of their alters with any of the names. It follows by asking how many of their alters are aware of their behaviour. In the SR method, 600 people from the general population in Kerman were questioned about the number of drug users they know, and the level of respect they show to them. Results: In the GC, VF for opium, methamphetamine, and heroin users was estimated at 59% for all 3 types of drug. Corresponding values in the SR method were 114% (95% UI: 105%–119%), 94% (95% UI: 61%–120%) and 103% (95% UI: 69%–126%), respectively. Conclusions: Estimates of the two methods were far from each other. There is a need for a concrete methodology to standardize future studies that measure the VF.