The use of rapid assessment methodology to compliment existing national assessment and surveillance data: a study among injecting drug users in Penang, Malaysia

The study explores how data collated from rapid assessment can enhance those produced by national level surveillance systems, in this case the national drug information (NADI) system in Malaysia. Qualitative data were collected in keeping with internationally accepted guidance on rapid assessment methods in the field of substance use. An inductive research strategy was employed. The rapid assessment produced multiple data on local drug use practices and how these were influenced by the contexts of use. The assessment points to the importance of collecting data not only on patterns of drug use but also on the health and social consequences of drug use. We suggest that the current national drug information system places greater emphasis on behavioural and health-related variables in order to better understand the potential relationships between drug use and health-related risk, including HIV/AIDS.