A qualitative exploration of gender in the context of methamphetamine use on the U.S.-Mexico border

Abstract

In-depth interviews were conducted with 70 male and 30 female
methamphetamine drug users in the U.S. -Mexico border of Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas. Topics included types of methamphetamine used, settings, as well as family, social and environmental influences. Interviews were taped, transcribed and translated. Content analysis was conducted and found women tended to buy or get drugs with people they knew and trusted. The differences suggest that although venue-based interventions may be appropriate for male methamphetamine users, personal network interventions may be more appropriate among females.