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

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