Perceptions of Cannabis Use: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Rheumatology Patients.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Some rheumatology patients use or contemplate using cannabis, however, may not be transparent about use with their providers. The objective of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe beliefs, perceptions, and learning needs of adults with rheumatic conditions regarding the use of cannabis products. METHODS: Purposive sampling was conducted through a rheumatology clinic and sought participants who were using or thinking about using cannabis. Two online focus groups based on cannabis use patterns (non-users and users) were conducted separately. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Three research team members read the transcripts independently to identify initial codes and themes. Data saturation was reached with the interviews. RESULTS: We recruited 12 participants between 52 and 85 years old. The first theme was pain and desperation. Stigma was the second theme with a perception of physician opposition to cannabis, and the reluctance of many participants to discuss cannabis use with physicians. The final theme was a need for information and a general lack of trustworthy and credible sources. Users were willing to try cannabis even if they still had questions. CONCLUSION: Rheumatology patients are open to using cannabis due to the burden and suffering associated with pain. They remain silent on the topic, however, because of stigma and lack of engagement from health care professionals, particularly physicians. Patients voiced a strong need for information regarding cannabis and want healthcare providers to initiate discussion. These findings are clinically relevant to the management of rheumatic conditions and the promotion of therapeutic relationships.

Eco-anxiety in youth: An integrative literature review.

Climate change-related eco-anxiety in young people has made headlines around the world, but most study of this phenomenon has been limited to adults. Eco-anxiety is still not well defined in the literature, but generally refers to distress, worry, or concern related to the climate change crisis. Young people will be chronologically more exposed to climate change-related harms and problems, and this may be causing increased eco-anxiety in this population. This literature review aimed to summarize the relevant works on eco-anxiety in young people, provide a critique of the literature, identify gaps, and discuss the relevance to nursing practice. A literature search using multiple databases and other sources was completed, using applicable key terms and resulted in 23 sources to inform the review. Key themes of eco-anxiety definition variation, hopelessness and burden in young people, and responses to eco-anxiety are discussed, and critical analysis is undertaken. The main conclusions include a broad working definition of eco-anxiety that does not pathologize the eco-anxiety experience but recognizes that it can cause suffering. Also discussed is the role of nurses in reducing the potential or actual suffering of youth through hope promotion, challenging binary thinking patterns, building emotional resilience, encouraging action or involvement in climate change spheres, and promoting climate justice and advocacy. Recommendations for further research are offered.

Concept analysis of recovery from substance use.

In this paper, we provide an analysis of the concept of recovery from substance use. We performed a literature search in CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Embase using key terms that focused on the concept of recovery from substance use. We also conducted a grey literature search and included select resources. Inclusive years for the search ranged from January 1, 2000 to March 10, 2022. Records were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers; data were extracted by one reviewer and confirmed by a second. A total of 22 literature sources were included. Identified core attributes of recovery include: (i) recovery as a process, (ii) recovery as more than managing substance use, (iii) recovery as life improvements, and (iv) recovery as a person-centred, individual concept. Antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents are identified, and model and contrary cases are presented. We propose the following definition for recovery: Recovery from substance use is defined by the affected individual, who sets goals and objectives for life improvements that include managing their substance use, but this is not the sole focus. Recovery is a person-centred, individualized process that can be measured by referents that suit the individual's own goals and objectives. What may constitute "recovery" and "recovered" requires definition by each individual.