Drivers, facilitators, and sources of stigma among Akha and Lahu hill tribe people who used methamphetamine in Thailand: a qualitative approach

Anusorn Udplong; Tawatchai Apidechkul; Peeradone Srichan; Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt; Pilasinee Wongnuch; Siwarak Kitchanapaibul; Panupong Upala; Chalitar Chomchoei; Fartima Yeemard; Ratipark Tamornpark; Onnalin Singkhorn

doi:10.1186/s12889-022-13094-z

Drivers, facilitators, and sources of stigma among Akha and Lahu hill tribe people who used methamphetamine in Thailand: a qualitative approach

BMC Public Health. 2022 Apr 2;22(1):642. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13094-z.

Authors

Anusorn Udplong¹, Tawatchai Apidechkul^{2

3}, Peeradone Srichan^{1

4}, Thanatchaporn Mulikaburt¹, Pilasinee Wongnuch^{1

4}, Siwarak Kitchanapaibul^{1

4}, Panupong Upala⁴, Chalitar Chomchoei⁴, Fartima Yeemard⁴, Ratipark Tamornpark^{1

4}, Onnalin Singkhorn⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Health Sciences, Mae Fah Luang University, 333 Moo 1, Ta Sud Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province, 57100, Thailand.
² School of Health Sciences, Mae Fah Luang University, 333 Moo 1, Ta Sud Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province, 57100, Thailand. Tawatchai.api@mfu.ac.th.
³ Center of Excellence for Hill Tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Tawatchai.api@mfu.ac.th.
⁴ Center of Excellence for Hill Tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.
⁵ School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: The stigma related to drug use has several impacts, including effects on users' physical and mental health. Methamphetamine is a major drug that is used among hill tribes living in the border areas of Thailand and Myanmar. This study aimed to understand the drivers, facilitators, sources and outcomes of the stigma surrounding drug use, including the expectations among Akha and Lau hill tribe people who use methamphetamine in Thailand.

Methods: Qualitative data were used to elicit information from key informants and members of the hill tribes who used methamphetamine. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and tested for validity before use. In-depth interviews were used to confidentially gather information from the participants in private rooms in villages. Each interview lasted 45 min, and a thematic analysis was conducted to examine the findings.

Results: A total of 46 participants were recruited to provide information; 95.7% were male, and 50.0% were aged 15-34 years. The majority were married (47.8%), 76.1% were Christian, and 45.7% graduated high school. Six drivers of stigma were detected: being poor, illiterate, unemployed, working aged, female, and married. Culture and tribe acted as facilitators of the stigma attached to methamphetamine use. Four sources of stigma were found: self, family members, peers, and community members. Three outcomes of stigma were determined: poor physical health, mental health, and relationships with others. There were four levels of expectations: no expectations, expectations for themselves, expectations for their family members, and expectations for their community members.

Conclusions: Many personal traits, people living nearby, and socioeconomic factors, including culture and tribes, act as drivers, facilitators, and sources of stigma among hill tribe people who use methamphetamine. A program to reduce methamphetamine use among hill tribes should be implemented, which could eventually minimize stigma.

Keywords: Akha; Hill tribe; Lahu; Methamphetamine; Stigma; Substance use; Thailand.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Ethnicity
Female
Humans
Male
Methamphetamine*
Population Groups
Social Stigma
Thailand / epidemiology
Young Adult

Substances

Methamphetamine