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Comparison of DoseTest and WiseBatch Fentanyl Test Strips: Survey Findings from Electric Daisy Carnival 2024
Authors:
Annastasia Rose Beal, Executive Director, Harm Reduction Circle, annastasia@harmreductioncircle.org
David Contreras, Harm Reduction Circle, david@harmreductioncircle.org
Daniel Contreras, Harm Reduction Circle, daniel@harmreductioncircle.org
Bryce Batcheller, WiseBatch, bryce@wisebatch.com
Corresponding Author:
Annastasia Rose Beal
Executive Director, Harm Reduction Circle
annastasia@harmreductioncircle.org
Abstract
Background:
The increasing prevalence of fentanyl in recreational drugs poses a significant public health challenge, particularly at large gatherings and music festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Fentanyl test strips are crucial tools in harm reduction, enabling users to test their substances for fentanyl contamination and potentially preventing fatal overdoses. This study compares two popular brands of fentanyl test strips, DoseTest and WiseBatch, to assess their effectiveness and user satisfaction.
Methods:
A survey was conducted during EDC 2024 to gather comprehensive feedback from participants who used DoseTest and WiseBatch fentanyl test strips. The survey was structured into seven sections: demographics, experiences with each brand of test strips, comparative feedback, prior experiences, final thoughts, and a raffle entry. Data were collected at the harm reduction booth located at the Serene Resort in Las Vegas, over three days from 3 PM to 7 PM. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.
Results:
The survey was completed by 16 participants. WiseBatch strips were rated higher for both ease of use and clarity of instructions, with 75% of participants finding WiseBatch's instructions "very clear" or "clear," compared to 50% for DoseTest. Additionally, 68.75% of participants found WiseBatch strips easy to use, compared to 43.75% for DoseTest. A notable 81.25% of participants reported increased caution and awareness after using the test strips. Qualitative feedback highlighted the user-friendly design of WiseBatch and the need for clearer instructions for both brands.
Conclusions:
The survey revealed a clear preference for WiseBatch fentanyl test strips over DoseTest strips due to their ease of use and clarity of instructions. These findings underscore the importance of user-friendly design in harm reduction tools. Harm reduction efforts should prioritize the distribution of user-friendly fentanyl test strips and consider participant feedback to improve product design and educational materials.
Background
Introduction:
The increasing prevalence of fentanyl in recreational drugs poses a significant public health challenge, particularly at large gatherings and music festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is often found in various illicit substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and counterfeit pills. This contamination can occur at any point in the drug supply chain, making the drug use landscape increasingly unpredictable and dangerous.
Overdose incidents have surged due to the presence of fentanyl in recreational drugs. This trend is particularly concerning in nightlife environments where substance use is common, and individuals may unknowingly consume fentanyl-laced drugs. The dynamic and often chaotic nature of these settings necessitates harm reduction tools that are both discreet and accessible. Fentanyl test strips have emerged as a crucial tool in this regard, enabling users to test their substances for fentanyl contamination and potentially preventing fatal overdoses.
Fentanyl contamination is a significant concern at events like EDC, which attract large crowds and involve extensive recreational drug use. Studies and anecdotal reports have consistently highlighted the widespread presence of fentanyl in substances sold as other drugs. This contamination contributes to a higher risk of overdose, particularly among individuals who do not have a tolerance to opioids. At festivals and similar events, the risk is compounded by the high energy and social environment, which can lead to risky drug consumption behaviors.
This study compares two popular brands, DoseTest and WiseBatch, to assess their effectiveness and user satisfaction.
Objective:
The primary objective of this study was to compare the user experience and effectiveness of two popular brands of fentanyl test strips: DoseTest and WiseBatch. In the context of harm reduction, understanding user preferences and the practical challenges associated with these tools is crucial for enhancing their design and deployment. This study sought to gather comprehensive feedback from individuals who used these test strips during the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) 2024. The survey focused on various aspects, including the clarity of instructions, ease of use, overall satisfaction, and the impact of these strips on drug use practices.
Our hypothesis posited that the DoseTest all-in-one kit, despite its innovative approach, might be less favorable due to its complex design. In contrast, WiseBatch strips, known for their straightforward and user-friendly design, were expected to receive more positive feedback. By comparing these two brands, we aimed to identify specific features that enhance or hinder user experience. The insights gathered from this study are intended to inform future improvements in the design and distribution of fentanyl test strips, ultimately contributing to more effective harm reduction strategies and better health outcomes for individuals at risk of fentanyl exposure.
Methods
Study Design:
The survey was meticulously structured to gather detailed and comprehensive feedback on the user experience and effectiveness of DoseTest and WiseBatch fentanyl test strips. It was divided into seven distinct sections:
Demographics: Collected basic information about the participants, such as age, gender, and state of residence, to understand the background and diversity of the sample population.
DoseTest All-in-One Fentanyl Test Strips: Focused on participants' specific experiences with the DoseTest strips, including the clarity of instructions, ease of use, and any challenges encountered.
WiseBatch Fentanyl Test Strips: Similarly, this section gathered detailed feedback on the WiseBatch strips, assessing the same parameters as for DoseTest to allow for direct comparison.
Comparative Feedback: Asked participants to compare the two brands directly, highlighting preferences, perceived effectiveness, and usability differences.
Previous Experiences with Test Strips Quiz: Explored participants' prior experiences with fentanyl test strips in general, providing context for their feedback.
Final Thoughts: Provided an opportunity for open-ended comments, suggestions, and any additional feedback the participants wanted to share.
Raffle Entry: Offered participants the option to enter a raffle to win 250 fentanyl test strips as an incentive for completing the survey.
Participants
A total of 16 participants were recruited during the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) 2024 event. The recruitment process was inclusive, with no stringent criteria beyond the participants' willingness to engage with the survey. This approach ensured a broad range of festival attendees could participate, providing diverse perspectives on the test strips.
Data Collection
Data collection took place at the harm reduction booth located at the Serene Resort in Las Vegas, a strategic location near the Las Vegas Strip to maximize participant engagement. Over three days, from approximately 3 PM to 7 PM each day, festival attendees were approached in a friendly and non-intrusive manner by the booth staff. The survey was administered using an Apple iPad Pro, prominently displayed at the booth to encourage participation. Participants were informed about the purpose of the survey and the importance of their feedback in improving harm reduction strategies. To further incentivize participation, those who completed the survey were offered 25 fentanyl testing strips or a chance to enter a raffle to win 250 fentanyl testing strips.
Statistical Analysis
The collected survey data were analyzed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the demographic data and survey responses. Comparative analyses were conducted using independent sample t-tests to compare mean ratings of clarity and ease of use between DoseTest and WiseBatch strips. Chi-square tests were employed to examine relationships between categorical variables, such as the impact of using the test strips on drug use practices. Additionally, qualitative feedback from open-ended responses was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and insights. Google Forms facilitated the initial data collection and provided basic summary statistics, while more detailed statistical analyses were performed using appropriate software tools.
Results
Participant Demographics
The survey was completed by 16 participants who were recruited from the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) event. The demographic breakdown of participants is as follows:
Age:
18-24: 25%
25-34: 50%
35-44: 18.75%
45-54: 6.25%
Gender:
Male: 62.5%
Female: 37.5%
State of Residence:
California: 56.25%
Nevada: 18.75%
Other states (including DC): 25%
Survey Responses
Clarity of Instructions:
Participants rated the clarity of instructions provided with both DoseTest and WiseBatch fentanyl test strips. WiseBatch was rated higher, with a majority of participants finding the instructions clear and easy to follow. Specifically, 75% of participants rated WiseBatch's instructions as "very clear" or "clear," compared to 50% for DoseTest.
Ease of Use:
Ease of use was a significant factor in the survey, with participants indicating their preferences for the test strip brands. WiseBatch was again favored, with 68.75% of participants reporting that they found the WiseBatch strips easy to use, compared to 43.75% for DoseTest. This suggests that the straightforward design of WiseBatch strips contributed to a more user-friendly experience.
Impact on Drug Use Practices:
The survey also explored whether the use of fentanyl test strips influenced participants' drug use practices. A notable 81.25% of participants reported increased caution and awareness after using the test strips, indicating a positive impact on their behavior. This effect was observed for both brands, though WiseBatch users reported a slightly higher level of behavior modification.
Qualitative Feedback
Participants provided valuable qualitative feedback, which highlighted several key themes:
User-Friendly Design: Many participants appreciated the user-friendly design of WiseBatch strips, noting that the simplicity of use contributed to a more positive experience.
Need for Clearer Instructions: Despite the higher ratings for WiseBatch, some participants expressed a need for even clearer instructions for both brands. Suggestions included more detailed step-by-step guides and visual aids.
Accessibility of Testing Methods: Participants emphasized the importance of making fentanyl test strips more accessible, suggesting that both brands could benefit from increased distribution and better education on their use.
Overall, the feedback indicated a strong preference for WiseBatch due to its ease of use and clearer instructions, while also highlighting areas for improvement in both brands to enhance their effectiveness as harm reduction tools.
Discussion
Interpretation of Results
The survey results clearly indicate a preference for WiseBatch fentanyl test strips over DoseTest strips among the participants at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) 2024. WiseBatch strips were rated higher for both ease of use and clarity of instructions. These findings support our initial hypothesis and align with existing research, which emphasizes the importance of user-friendly harm reduction tools. Participants found the straightforward design of WiseBatch strips more accessible and less complicated compared to DoseTest, leading to a more positive user experience. This preference underscores the critical role that simplicity and clarity play in the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies.
Public Health Implications
The preference for WiseBatch test strips highlights the need for harm reduction tools that are both effective and user-friendly. Improved design and distribution of fentanyl test strips can significantly enhance harm reduction efforts by making these tools more accessible and easier to use for individuals at risk of fentanyl exposure. Public health policies should support the widespread availability of effective fentanyl test strips, ensuring they are distributed in settings where they can have the most impact, such as music festivals, nightlife environments, and other high-risk areas. Additionally, educational campaigns should accompany the distribution of test strips to ensure users are well-informed on how to use them correctly and interpret the results accurately.
Limitations
There are several limitations to this study that should be acknowledged. First, the small sample size of 16 participants limits the generalizability of the findings. The results may not accurately reflect the broader population of festival attendees or other high-risk groups. Second, the self-selection bias inherent in the recruitment process means that those who chose to participate might have different characteristics or behaviors compared to those who did not. This could skew the results towards more health-conscious individuals. Finally, the festival environment, with its unique and high-energy setting, might have influenced participants' responses and their ability to accurately follow and recall the instructions for using the test strips.
Future Research
Future studies should aim to include larger and more diverse samples to improve the generalizability of the findings. Longitudinal research could explore the long-term behavioral impacts of using fentanyl test strips, examining whether their use leads to sustained changes in drug use practices and reductions in overdose incidents. Additionally, future research could investigate other aspects of test strip use, such as the effectiveness of different educational approaches in improving user understanding and compliance. By addressing these areas, further research can provide deeper insights into how fentanyl test strips can be optimized and integrated into broader harm reduction strategies.
Conclusions
Summary of Findings:
The survey conducted at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) 2024 revealed a clear preference for WiseBatch fentanyl test strips over DoseTest strips. Participants favored WiseBatch due to its ease of use and the clarity of its instructions. These findings support the importance of user-friendly design in harm reduction tools, as simplicity and clarity significantly enhance user experience and effectiveness.
Recommendations:
Based on the survey findings, harm reduction efforts should prioritize the distribution of user-friendly fentanyl test strips like WiseBatch. Feedback from participants highlights the need for clear, easy-to-follow instructions and simple designs that facilitate ease of use. To further improve harm reduction strategies, manufacturers should consider these insights to refine product designs and enhance educational materials accompanying the test strips. Additionally, policymakers should support the widespread availability and use of effective fentanyl test strips in high-risk environments.
References
–TBD–
Acknowledgments
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of our team members at Harm Reduction Circle and the supporting staff at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). One N Only for providing HRC space to set up a space to distribute supplies. The Serene Resort for the property use. Jaclyn Shultz from Fox 5 for news coverage of our outreach efforts over EDC Weekend 2024. Special thanks to the volunteers who assisted with data collection and the participants who took the time to complete the survey. We also appreciate the support from WiseBatch for providing test strips for evaluation.
Supplementary Materials
The survey instrument used for data collection and any additional datasets or tables are included as supplementary materials.
Funding
This study was funded by Harm Reduction Circle.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
N/A
Competing Interests
The authors declare no competing interests related to this study.
