Critical Appraisal of Evidence on Illicit Drug Use at Music Festivals

Page 1 of 6
Title
Student name:
Student number:
HLSC122 Semester 1, 2019
Assessment 3: Critical appraisal of evidence
Word count:
Student name/student number

Page 2 of 6
Day, N., Criss, J., Griffiths, B., Gujral, S. K., John-Leader, F., Johnston, J., & Pit, S.
(2018). Music festival attendees’ illicit drug use, knowledge and practices
regarding drug content and purity: a cross-sectional survey. Harm reduction
journal, 15(1), 1.
Introduction
People who visits music festivals in Australia, have reported the use of higher levels
of illicit drugs than normally seen in the general population. Stimulant and
psychedelic recreational drugs such as MDMA and ecstasy are largely used at the
musical events. Besides this, other drugs like cannabis, LSD are also used. Several
risks are associated with the use of these drugs like irrational behavior, sexual
abuse, hallucinations and increased blood pressure and pulse rate.
This paper will critically appraise a paper by Day et al., (2018), and will reflect on the
case study of Emily based upon the findings of the paper on the illicit use of drugs
in the musical concerts.
PART A – Critical appraisal
Authorship
This paper has been published by seven authors. Niamh Day, being the first author
has done his Phd from the school of medicine, University of Western Sydney, NSW ,
Australia , which is a repudiated university. There had been many publications
under this author.
Other authors included Joshua Criss, Phd, from the University for Rural health
Benjamin Griffiths, Harm Reduction and Health Promotion Programs, North Coast
Public Health, Mid North Coast Local Health District, PO Box 419, Lismore, NSW,
Australia ; Shireen Kaur Gujral, chool of Medicine, University of Western Sydney,
Sydney, NSW, Australia; Franklin John-Leader, Jennifer Johnston and Sabrina Pit.
The authors have stated that they do not have any conflict of interest.
No information about the funding has been provided in this paper. The paper has
been peer-reviewed.
Research questions
Student name/student number

Page 3 of 6
The aim of the study is to evaluate the proportions and the patterns of the illicit
drug use among the youths and their attitude towards drug checking at festivals
and the impact of the potential drug checking on the intended drug usage (Day et
al., 2018). Considering the research question, a proper research question cannot be
found in the paper, although there is a clearly stated research aims and objectives.
The author has given a valid justification regarding the conduction of the
study. There had been a confusion, whether drug testing in the musical festival
restricts the use of the illicit drugs or reduces the chance of the use of illicit drugs
(Day et al., 2018). The author has clearly indicated towards the rampant use of the
illicit drugs among the youths. As reported by the attendees of the festival, a higher
rate of illicit drug use have been found to be higher in the music concerts. This
concept has again been supported by studies regarding festivals all around in
Australia showing a higher rate of drug use in the same age groups in the general
population.
Research design
A survey will be conducted with the attendees of the concert. The content of the
survey was guided by the previous research in the area. In this paper the
researcher has provide with a detailed information about the entire methods (Day
et al., 2018). The survey is a useful measure in quantitative studies. They are
relatively cost effective. Secondly surveys can be useful as characteristics of a large
population. No other research methods can provide a broader capability, ensuring a
more accurate sample for gathering the targeted results (Johnson & Christensen,
2018). Again, the anonymity of the survey allows the client to answer with more
valid answers.
The data has been predominantly quantitative with some open ended questions for
the drug users. Open ended questions provides freedom to the participants to
express a bit about their grievances (Setia, 2016). Two waves of pilot testing of the
surveys has been conducted involving few attendants. No, justification has been
provided by the students, as why this research design has been chosen.
Research methods
The researcher had Data collection has been done from the participants where the
participants were asked to make a paper based survey anonymously and they were
approached only during the day light hours for minimizing the chance of the
persons being intoxicated during the completion of the survey. No incentives have
been provided. Before the conduction of the survey, the participants were provided
with a participant’s information statement containing information about the survey.
After taking the survey, it was placed in a closed box for ensuring confidentiality.
However, before the survey was being conducted a short summary of what drug
testing is, was given from the health promotion stall.
Student name/student number