Attitudes to drug use among East African migrants in Melbourne’s western suburbs

Given that East Africans are among the fastest-growing migrant groups in Australia, it is possible that African youth may be at risk of becoming involved in IDU.

This project aimed to describe engagement in drug use, particularly IDU, among young Africans living in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The study also explored cultural attitudes and understandings around drug use and how these may relate to issues such as migration experiences, acculturation, intergenerational conflict and social identity.

Findings from the project were used to inform the development of relevant community- based programs as well as to inform the production of relevant harm reduction and harm prevention resources. Findings from this research may also be useful in developing frameworks for responding to emerging drug use in vulnerable culturally and linguistically diverse communities.