A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Cannabis use, perceived problems and the contemplation of reducing or quitting: a cross-sectional survey for vocational students
Authors: Lostedt Jasmin, Stolt Minna, Niemelä Solja, Pasanen Miko, Salom Caroline, Thomas natalie, Kannussaari Kim, Mishina Kaisa
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Substance Use
ISSN: 1465-9891
eISSN: 1475-9942
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2024.2356572
Web address : https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/YC7RMRZAKXQZ5PZSCHJP/full?target=10.1080/14659891.2024.2356572
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/404723005
Objective: To assess problematic cannabis use, perceived cannabis-related problems and contemplation of reducing or quitting the use among vocational students and associations between perceived problems and contemplation of reducing or quitting cannabis use.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey among Finnish vocational school students (N = 1,855) using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised.
Results: Of those who reported cannabis use (n = 375), 20.5% (n = 77) reported problematic use. The most perceived problems were memory or concentration problems (n = 151, 39.1%), devoting a great deal of time to use (n = 144, 37.4%), and failing to do what was normally expected (n = 106, 27.5%). One third (35.4%, n = 136) had contemplated reducing or quitting the use, especially among those who reported an inability to stop using (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.57; CI95: 2.48–13.16).
Conclusions: The perceived problems related to cannabis-use are such that may affect to academic success, employment and general life management. It is imperative to screen and implement low- threshold cannabis interventions in student health care. A third of students who used cannabis had contemplated quitting or reducing use, which provides an opportunity for brief supporting interventions.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
Funding for this research were provided by Juho Vainio Foundation, State Research Funding and The Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies.