Drug use among non-binary persons in Europe: findings from a web survey

Description

Traditionally, survey-based methods used in drug research tend to be gender blind and not include the experiences of non-binary people who use drugs. This invisibility is related with the use of standard one-step methods in the sex/gender demographic question, specifically the use of the categories male/ female or M/F. This presentation will be based on a gender analysis that include the category non-binary within the data collection methods.

Data were collected through two web-based surveys implemented by the EMCDDA and national partners:

European Web Survey on Drugs
Hair testing questionnaire, which included also the analysis of hair samples
Both tools used the following gender categories: women/ men/ non-binary. The data analysis is currently ongoing.

Data disaggregated by gender allow the identification of gender-based differences in the sociodemographic profile, living conditions, drug use patterns, drug-related risks and harms, and access to services. A comparative approach between men, women and non-binary respondents make specific drug use patterns and health and social needs visible. A focus of the analysis concern non-binary persons.

Non-binary persons who use drugs present gender-based specificities in drug use patterns. It is relevant to systematically collect gender inclusive data not based on a binary categorization to monitor gender-specific drug use patterns and trends and to inform the design of gender-responsive policies and social and health responses to drug problems.

Period	22 Nov 2022
Event title	Lisbon Addictions 2022
Event type	Conference
Organiser	Serviço Nacional de Saúde
Location	Lisboa, PortugalShow on map