Using facebook to maximize follow-up response rates in a longitudinal study of adults who use methamphetamine.

This study examines the process and effects of using facebook (FB) to locate and re-contact study participants targeted for follow up in a longitudinal study of adult methamphetamine users (N = 649). A follow-up interview was conducted in 2009-11 approximately 8 years after previous study participation. Our paper describes re-contact efforts involving FB, including IRB regulatory issues and the effectiveness of using FB compared to mailings and phone calls.

Racial/ethnic differences in health status and morbidity among adults who use methamphetamine.

Higher disease rates among ethnic-minority populations compared to Whites have been pervasive and persistent over time, and as methamphetamine (MA) use continues to penetrate ethnically diverse geographic regions across the United States, minority populations may be at increased risk for adverse MA-related health consequences, thus further contributing to poorer health among vulnerable populations. This study examines racial/ethnic differences in health status and health conditions among individuals who used MA. Data are from a natural history interview study of adult MA users (N = 512), half of whom received treatment for MA abuse, and a comparison group who had not received substance abuse treatment.