พฤติกรรมการใช้สารเสพติดของคนข้ามเพศ อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดอุดรธานี (Drugs Use Behavior among Transgender Users in Udornthani Province)

Abstract

 Abstract   Official intelligence data indicated that illicit drugs were widely epidemic in Udornthani, in particular, the downtown area.  This study aimed to estimate the number of transgender users of illicit drugs and their behaviours.  Data were collected during June-September 2013 through interviews and participant observations.  For the purpose of estimation, a network scale-up method was employed to collect the data from 100 samples.  A snowball technique was utilised to gather qualitative data from 8 key informants who were experienced in using drugs. The estimated number of transgender users in Udornthani was 20,828 individuals within the 1,607,127 population of Udornthani.  Of these, 1,271 individuals used amphetamine type stimulants (methamphetamine pills and ecstasy), 676 used cannabis, 259 used crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”), 80 used cocaine, and 159 used volatile substances.  Enabling factors were their curiosity, desire of looking good, group norms and acceptance, increased working ability, and relaxation.  Important enforcement factors were peer influence as well as easily accessibility in the community, in particular, within the family.  The informants used a certain amount illicit drugs daily, and in some cases, have been using for more than 9 years continuously without getting treatment.   Keywords: Transgender, Drugs use behavior