A thematic analysis of MDMA-related harm and harm reduction experiences and knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Jai Whelan, Ryan D Ward, Geoff Noller
Harm reduction journal May 23, 2024 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01024-8 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMDMA is less harmful than many other drugs but still causes significant harms, including deaths. Sixty people who use MDMA in southern Aotearoa New Zealand, aged 18 to 67 (median 21), shared their views on harm and harm reduction in 14 focus groups. Five themes emerged: mindset and setting matter; looking after your body and mind and not overdoing it; other substances increase risk and harm; trusted friends and peers are protective; and valid information is key for healthy self-determination, with a subtheme that drug checking is essential harm reduction. These findings aim to inform national drug policy and improve harm reduction practices for consumers and organisations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | People who use MDMA in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Aotearoa new zealand Harm reduction Reflexive thematic analysis Drug safety MDMA Use |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Five themes were generated from focus group discussions: mindset and setting matters; looking after your body and mind, not overdoing it; other substances increase risk and harm; trusted friends and peers are protective; and valid information is key for healthy self-determination, with drug checking as essential harm reduction. |
Abstract
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular drug worldwide and use is prevalent in Aotearoa New Zealand. Although associated with some significant harms, including fatalities, MDMA is ultimately less harmful than other commonly consumed drugs. We aimed to expand the understanding of MDMA harm and harm reduction strategies from a consumer perspective so that national harm reduction efforts can be better informed. We conducted 14 semi-structured focus group discussions including 60 people (aged 18-67, median = 21) who use MDMA in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand to explore their thoughts and experiences regarding MDMA associated harm and harm reduction. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted from a critical realist perspective. Five themes were generated; (1) Mindset and setting matters; (2) Looking after your body and mind, not overdoing it; (3) Other substances increase risk and harm; (4) Trusted friends and peers are protective; and (5) Valid information is key for healthy self-determination; and one subtheme 5.1) Drug checking is essential harm reduction. We discuss the implications for MDMA consumers and aim to inform national drug policy and the harm reduction practices of consumers and organisations, for the ultimate purpose of reducing MDMA-related harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.