Ecstasy Use Among Taiwanese Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Wei J, Fu Tsung-Chieh, Ting Te-Tien, Huang Wei-Lun, Tang Guang-Mang, Hsiao Chuhsing Kate, Chen Chuan-Yu
Primary Institution: National Taiwan University
Hypothesis
What are the trends and factors associated with ecstasy use among school-attending adolescents in Taiwan?
Conclusion
From 2004 to 2006, a decline was noted in the prevalence and incidence rate of ecstasy, a leading illegal drug used by school-attending adolescents in Taiwan since the early 2000s.
Supporting Evidence
- Ecstasy and ketamine were the most commonly used illegal drugs among adolescents during the study period.
- Having sexual experience, tobacco use, and betel nut use were consistently associated with the onset of ecstasy use.
- The prevalence of ecstasy use declined over the three years of the study.
Takeaway
The study found that fewer teenagers in Taiwan are using ecstasy now than before, but more are starting to use ketamine instead.
Methodology
A multistage probability survey of school-attending adolescents in grades 7, 9, 10, and 12, aged 11–19 years, was conducted using self-administered anonymous questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of drug use due to the anonymous nature of the survey.
Limitations
The change in the mode of administration from paper-and-pencil to web-based questionnaire may affect comparability of results across years.
Participant Demographics
School-attending adolescents aged 11-19 years from various grades and types of schools in Taiwan.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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