Amman: The Economic and Social Council (ESC), in collaboration with the Strategic Studies Center at the University of Jordan, is set to launch a national field survey to assess the situation of drugs and psychoactive substances in Jordan, engaging a sample of 12,000 individuals.
According to Jordan News Agency, the survey aims to establish a comprehensive scientific database that will aid in the development of a national strategy to combat drugs while enhancing the understanding of the social, economic, psychological, and cultural factors linked to this issue. ESC President Mousa Shteiwi emphasized the necessity of this study for crafting the national drug control strategy. This initiative was undertaken after discussions with Brigadier General and military judge Ahmad Shhaltough, head of the National Committee for Combating Drugs, in cooperation with the Strategic Studies Center at the University of Jordan.
Shteiwi highlighted the importance of moving beyond current assessments of the drug phenomenon, which primarily rely on existing indicators, towards building a more comprehensive national understanding based on field data. This approach aims to provide a clearer picture of the phenomenon's characteristics and influencing factors, thus enabling more accurate and effective policy and response strategies.
During preparatory meetings, Shteiwi and Shhaltough underscored the significance of establishing a national database to help relevant authorities conduct a more thorough evaluation of the situation regarding drugs and psychoactive substances in Jordan. This would assist in identifying strengths and weaknesses in prevention, awareness, treatment, and drug-control systems.
A recent meeting of the study's Higher Steering Committee at the Economic and Social Council reviewed the progress made in preparing the study and the work completed in anticipation of the field survey's launch. The survey aims to accurately depict the characteristics of drug users, their usage patterns, motives, methods of obtaining drugs, and the consequences thereof.
The study will also analyze the demographic, social, economic, cultural, and psychological traits of those using drugs and psychoactive substances in Jordan, delving into the factors and motivations behind the spread of drug use. It intends to identify the most prevalent types of drugs and psychoactive substances and explore the routes and methods through which they are acquired.
Moreover, the study will examine the social, economic, health, and psychological repercussions of drug use, aiming to produce scientific recommendations to inform the national drug control strategy. According to information from the recent meeting, the Technical Committee has finalized the sample design, and the questionnaire, consisting of seven sections, has been prepared. A team of field researchers has been assembled, and necessary security approvals have been obtained to commence the survey.
A pilot test of the study tool was conducted on September 2 with a sample of 52 individuals before the initiation of extensive fieldwork. The questionnaire delves into respondents' social and economic backgrounds, their awareness, attitudes, and perceptions regarding drugs, as well as the locations, methods, and reasons for drug promotion and trafficking. It also examines the role of families and social media in awareness, prevention, and engagement with drug use.
The Higher Steering Committee, formed under a directive from the prime minister, will oversee the study, while a Technical Committee will supervise its implementation at all stages. The committee includes representatives from various relevant institutions, such as the State Security Court, the Anti-Narcotics Department, the Economic and Social Council, and several ministries and departments.
The next phase involves training the research team and commencing fieldwork, with survey results expected to provide insights into the dimensions of the phenomenon and influencing factors, thereby aiding the development of scientific recommendations to support the national drug combat strategy.