Use of Vignettes in Qualitative Research on Drug Use: Scoping Review and Case Example from Brazil.

This paper examines the use of vignettes, a research method used to explore sensitive issues in studies on drug use. First aim, to explore available literature on the use of vignettes in examining the phenomenon of drug use; Second, to illustrate the actual use of a vignette to capture the experiences of teachers in a school setting in Brazil. This we propose to do by applying Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review technique. Twenty-six qualitative studies were found that met the reviews inclusion and exclusion criteria. Across studies, the vignette technique as a method of data collection was applied in different aspects of drug use (education and training, ethics in research, identification of risk, HIV, prevention, public conceptions, religion, rape, social policy, treatment). The main reasons to use this method were related, but not limited to the sensitive area of drug use, to stimulate discussion, to get participants involved, and to maintain confidentiality. In nursing practice, vignettes can make it easier to the patient to address drug use's topics in group and individually. With the use of the vignette technique, qualitative researchers can increase the possibility of discussion about drug use with the participants, based on their choices and reflection on the scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]