title: Perceived risk of methamphetamine among Chinese methamphetamine users.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Methamphetamine use has grown considerably in China in recent years. Information about perceptions of risk on methamphetamine is important to facilitate health promotion efforts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using both survey data and qualitative interview data, the authors evaluate the perceived risk of methamphetamine use among Chinese users using a mixed-methods approach. Through Respondent Driven Sampling, the authors recruited a sample of 303 methamphetamine users in Changsha, China.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A majority (59.1%) perceive that infrequent methamphetamine use poses no risk to the user, while 11.2% perceive at least moderate risk for light use. A majority (56.7%) perceived at least moderate risk associated with regular methamphetamine use. Most (82.2%) also perceive methamphetamine to be easily obtainable. A path model indicates that perceived risk shapes intentions to use and expectations of future use, as does perceived availability. Qualitatively, while addiction was the most common risk discussed by users, they differed on whether they perceived the drug addictive. Other concerns raised by interviewees included impaired cognition, mental health problems, physical harm, and social dysfunction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While some users identify significant risks with methamphetamine, others do not perceive its use to be problematic. Collectively, these findings indicate that intervening upon perceptions of risk among Chinese methamphetamine users may be a means to influence intentions to use.
authors.affiliation: Purdue University, USA. Electronic address: bckelly@purdue.edu.
authors.forename: Brian C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China. Electronic address: liutieq@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Tieqiao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Purdue University, USA.
authors.forename: Xiaozhao Yosef
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China.
authors.forename: Guanbai
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.affiliation: Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University, USA.
authors.forename: Jichuan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008694:Methamphetamine
keywords: China; Intentions; Methamphetamine; Perceived risk