ERIC Number: EJ951255
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0968-7637
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Characteristics and Predictors of Health Problems from Use among High-Frequency Cannabis Users in a Canadian University Student Population
Fischer, Benedikt; Dawe, Meghan; Mcguire, Fraser; Shuper, Paul A; Jones, Wayne; Rudzinski, Katherine; Rehm, Jurgen
Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy, v19 n1 p49-58 2012
Aims: Assess key cannabis use, risk and outcome characteristics among high-frequency cannabis users within a university student sample in Toronto, Canada. Methods: N = 134 active universities students (ages of 18-28) using cannabis at least three times per week were recruited by mass advertisement, telephone-screened and anonymously assessed by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Relevant descriptive statistics are presented; subsequent univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (MLRA) identified independent predictors of experiencing physical or mental health problems. Findings: The majority of respondents used cannabis greater than 5 years, almost daily and greater than 1 times/day, socially and medically on occasion. In past 30 days, 79% used cannabis by deep inhalation, 38% drove a car after use, 45% had difficulty controlling or limiting use and 52% experienced negative mental/physical health effects, with few respondents reporting any past treatment. The MLRA identified "difficulty controlling or limiting use" (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.58-7.30), "non-white ethnicity" (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.13-6.83), and "living with others" (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.02-5.55) as independent predictors (p less than 0.01) of negative health problems. Conclusions: Our sample was characterized by several use-related risks and problems, which may result in long-term burden of disease. University environment may offer suitable settings for targeted interventions. Determinants of future cannabis use and problems should be assessed in this population. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Marijuana, Physical Health, Foreign Countries, Student Characteristics, Adolescents, Questionnaires, College Students, Multiple Regression Analysis, Predictor Variables, Substance Abuse, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Use Studies, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada; Canada (Toronto)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A