Sociodemographic differences in knowledge, perceptions, and intentions regarding stimulant misuse: A theory-informed national cross-sectional survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stimulant misuse is a rising concern in the United States.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to better understand the U.S. general public's knowledge, perceptions, and intentions regarding stimulant misuse, and to assess sociodemographic differences.

Methods

Americans age ≥ 18 were recruited for a cross-sectional, anonymous online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Outcomes, guided by the Health Belief Model, included: knowledge; perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits surrounding prescription and non-prescription stimulant use/misuse; perceived barriers to medical stimulant use and seeking help for stimulant misuse; and non-medical stimulant use intentions. Mann-Whitney U tests assessed differences across age (young adults/adults [

SUBMITTER: Sanders M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12767798 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature