Exploring the Perceptions of Psychiatric Patients Regarding Marijuana Use

There is limited understanding on marijuana use by psychiatric patients; specifically with regard as to why they continue to smoke marijuana despite the negative consequences; such as readmittance to psychiatric hospitals following marijuana-induced psychosis. It is; therefore; important to understand why psychiatric patients continue to use marijuana; despite experiencing its negative effects. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of psychiatric patients with regard to marijuana use in Potchefstroom; North West Province; as well as to formulate recommendations for nursing education; nursing research and nursing practice; with the aim of reducing the readmission of psychiatric patients following marijuana-induced psychosis. A qualitative; exploratory; descriptive and contextual research design was followed in order to give 'voice' to the perceptions of psychiatric patients about marijuana use. Purposive sampling was utilised to identify participants who complied with selection criteria. The sample size was determined by data saturation; which was reached after 10 individual interviews with psychiatric patients. Unstructured individual interviews were utilised to gather data after written approval from the Ethics committee of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus); North West Provincial Department of Health; the clinical manager of the psychiatric hospital where data were collected; as well as from the psychiatric patients. The co-coder and the researcher analysed the data independently. The findings of this study include perceptions of psychiatric patients on the use of marijuana; the negative effects of marijuana use; marijuana use and mental illness; and quitting marijuana. Recommendations were formulated for nursing education; nursing research as well as for nursing practice

Prevalence and correlates of atypical patterns of drug use progression: findings from the South African Stress and Health Study

Objective: Atypical sequences of drug use progression are thought to have important implications for the development of substance dependence. The extent to which this assumption holds for South African populations is unknown. This paper attempts to address this gap by examining the prevalence and correlates of atypical patterns of drug progression among South Africans.Method: Data on substance use and other mental health disorders from a nationally representative sample of 4351 South Africans were analysed. Weighted cross tabulations were used to estimate prevalence and correlates of atypical patterns of drug use progression. Results: Overall; 12.2of the sample reported atypical patterns of drug use progression. The most common violation was the use of extra-medical drugs prior to alcohol and tobacco. Gender was significantly associated with atypical patterns of drug use with the risk pattern varying by the type of drug. None of the anxiety or mood disorders were associated with atypical patterns of use. Atypical patterns of drug use were not associated with increased risk for a lifetime substance use disorder. Conclusion: Atypical patterns of drug use initiation seem more prevalent in South Africa compared to other countries. The early use of extra-medical drugs is common; especially among young women. Drug availability and social environmental factors may influence patterns of drug use. The findings have important implications for prevention initiatives and future research

The Prevalence of Substance Use and Its Associations amongst Students Attending High School in Mitchells Plain; Cape Town

Purpose: In South Africa; there has been an increase in illicit drug trafficking and consumption and associated problems since the 1990s. Mitchells Plain in Cape Town is seen as a community battling with crime; gangsterism; unemployment; overcrowding; substance abuse and poverty. This study evaluated the actual prevalence of substance abuse amongst high school students in this community and factors associated with substance use. In particular; the study evaluated the use of tik (crystal methamphetamine); a relatively new drug. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed amongst 12 secondary schools in Mitchells Plain; Grade 8 and Grade 11 classes were randomly selected to produce a sample of 438 learners. The students completed an anonymous questionnaire that contained enquiries on substance use; demographic and school performance details; and personal and sexual risks. Results: Lifetime and annual prevalence rates were: alcohol (50.6/41.0); tobacco smoking (49.7/36.2); cannabis (32.1/21.1); crystal methamphetamine (9.2/4.6); ecstasy (4.4/2.7); mandrax (2.1/0.9); solvents (3.0/0.9) and cocaine (0.9/0.9). Illicit substance use was significantly associated with age (OR 1.6; CI 1.2-2.2); substance use by other members of the household (OR 2.8; CI 1.2-6.3); carrying a knife (OR 10.9; CI 4.2-28.8); attempted suicide (OR 3.7; CI 1.4-9.5) and higher sexual risk (OR 1.6; CI 1.2-2.3). Conclusion: The prevalence of substance use amongst adolescent students attending high schools in Mitchells Plain; Cape Town; is high for all substances relative to national and international figures. Government officials; educators and health care workers are alerted to the need for more comprehensive interventions to prevent and treat substance abuse in this and similar communities

Cannabis use predicts shorter duration of untreated psychosis and lower levels of negative symptoms in first-episode psychosis: a South African study

Objective: Cannabis use/abuse is a common co-morbid problem in patients experiencing a first episode of psychotic illness (FEP). The relationship between the clinical presentation of FEP and cannabis abuse is complex and warrants further investigation; especially within the South African context. Method: We tested associations between recent/current cannabis use and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP); age of onset (AO); PANSS-rated (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) positive; negative and general psychopathology symptoms and depressive symptoms (Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia) in a sample of 54 patients with FEP. Results: Mean DUP was 34.4 weeks; while mean AO was 24.7 years. Co-morbid cannabis use occurred in 35of the sample and was significantly associated with shorter DUP (Mann-Whitney U; p=0.026). While not significant; there was also a trend association between cannabis use and lower negative symptoms (Mann-Whitney U; p=0.051). Conclusion: Current/recent cannabis use was associated with clinical features of psychosis onset that previously have been associated with better outcome. Medium and long-term outcome for cannabis users however; is likely to depend on whether or not cannabis use is ongoing

Marijuana Smoking among Secondary School Students in Zaria; Nigeria: Factors Responsible and Effects on Academic Performance

Background: The use of Marijuana is on the increase worldwide especially among adolescents and youths. Marijuana smoking has gained a foothold in our environment because of peer group influence; accessibility and availability. Its medico-social effects could ruin the life and future of our youths. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and the factors that influence secondary school students in Zaria LGA to smoke and the effects on academic performance. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed to generate data among secondary school students. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. Data was collected with the use of a structured; pre tested self-administered questionnaire. c2 test was used to test for significance of association between categorical variables. Results: Of the 350 respondents; 262 (74.9) were males; while 88 (25.1) were females. The study shows that 33 of the students smoke marijuana giving a prevalence of 9.4. There were more smokers in the age group 15-19 years (54.6). Other factors that influence marijuana smoking include family background; peer pressure and attendance of social functions. There was better academic performance (51.1) among non smokers as compared to smokers (27.2); and this was found to be statistically significant (x2 = 11.73;df = 5;P .05) There was also statistically significant association between age and marijuana smoking (x2 ) were males; while 88 (25.1) were females. The study shows that 33 of the students smoke marijuana giving a prevalence of 9.4. There were more smokers in the age group 15-19 years (54.6). Other factors that influence marijuana smoking include family background; peer pressure and attendance of social functions. There was better academic performance (51.1) among non smokers as compared to smokers (27.2); and this was found to be statistically significant (x2 = 11.73;df = 5;P .05) There was also statistically significant association between age and marijuana smoking (x2

Cannabisme et troubles mentaux en milieu rural zairois : aspects epidemiologiques

La recherche de facteurs etiologiques des troubles mentaux montre que la consommation du cannabis est l'un des facteurs de risque de troubles du comportement en milieu rural zairois. Une enquete etiologique preliminaire portant sur 156 patients soignes au Centre Neuro-Psycho-Pathologique de Kitwambi donne une incidence du cannabisme de 13 pour cent et permet d'esquisser le profil epidemiologique du cannabisme a haut risque de troubles du comportement en milieu rural. Il s'agit surtout des jeunes adultes; de sexe masculin; celibataires; plus ou moins instruits; s'adonnant aux travaux durs ou des eleves; associant souvent le cannabis a l'alcool et au tabac. Les tableaux cliniques sont domines par les acces psychotiques aigus: acces maniaque; depression; bouffee delirante; confusion mentale aigue: 85 pour cent des cas. Les observations des auteurs denotent le role important de facteurs socio-culturels dans la genese des troubles