Longitudinal surveys of prevalence rates and use patterns of illicit drugs at selected high‐prevalence areas in China from 1993 to 2000

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Abstract
Aims To identify the prevalence, patterns and trends of illicit drug use in the general population of selected high‐prevalence areas in China between 1993 and 2000. Design, setting and participants Cluster sampling was employed and the Epidemiological Inventory for Illicit Drug Use (EIIDU) used as survey instrument. In 1993, 1996 and 2000, 56 792, 67 319 and 53 747 individuals aged 15 or above in community were interviewed, respectively, at the three time‐points. Measurements Demographics and drug‐related data were collected and the prevalence patterns of illicit drug are described. Findings The life‐time prevalences of illicit drug use in the three consecutive surveys in 1993, 1996 and 2000 were 1.08, 1.60 and 1.52%, respectively, and the 1‐year prevalence rates were 0.91, 1.17 and 1.17%, respectively. Heroin was the first choice for drug use (51.8% in 1993, 83.4% in 1993 and 95.9% in 2000). The two most frequent routes of drug administration were inhalation (89.2% in 1993, 60.1% in 1996 and 93.5% in 2000) and intravenous injection (27.2% in 1993, 31.0% in 1996 and 25.7% in 2000). Conclusion At least for the time being, illicit drug use may have plateaued in these selected high‐prevalence areas.