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Cannabis consumption initiation among adolescents: a longitudinal study
Anna Pérez1, Carles Ariza, Francesca Sánchez-Martínez
1Evaluation and Intervention Methods Service, Public Health Agency, Barcelona, Plaça Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain. aperez@aspb.cat
Addictive Behaviors
|October 20, 2009
Summary
Adolescent cannabis initiation is linked to smoking, risky alcohol use, and peer influence. Preventive programs should focus on social skills and address behavioral and contextual factors for effective intervention.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Use Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Cannabis consumption initiation among adolescents is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the predictors of adolescent cannabis use is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with the initiation of cannabis consumption among adolescents aged 14-15.
- To identify behavioral, attitudinal, and contextual variables influencing early cannabis use.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 2043 adolescents (14-15 years old) from Barcelona.
- Data collection through questionnaires at baseline and a 15-month follow-up, employing bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Main Results:
- 23.7% of baseline non-users initiated cannabis use within 15 months.
- Smoking, risky alcohol use, and intention to use cannabis were key predictors for both genders.
- Specific factors for boys included frequenting bars/discotheques and lack of leisure activities; for girls, having cannabis-using friends was significant.
Conclusions:
- Cannabis initiation in adolescents is influenced by legal drug use, attitudes, and environmental factors.
- Behavioral and contextual variables play a critical role in adolescent cannabis uptake.
- Strengthening social skills within preventive programs is essential to mitigate cannabis initiation.
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