Marijuana Use Among Women of Reproductive Age With Disabilities

Despite the increasing prevalence and potential adverse health outcomes associated with marijuana use, limited research exists related to its use in women of reproductive age with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to examine the past-month marijuana use in women of reproductive age with disabilities.

Data from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health included 76,765 women of reproductive age (18-44 years). Descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between past-month marijuana use and overall disability, including the type of disability.

In this sample, 12.6% of women reported past-month marijuana use. Approximately, 21% of women with disabilities reported past-month marijuana use, compared with only 11.1% of women without a disability. Marijuana use was more prevalent in women with disabilities who were younger (aged ≤25 years), who were non-Hispanic White, who were nonmarried, who had at least some college education, and who used alcohol or tobacco. Women with disabilities had 1.68 (95% CI=1.57, 1.80) higher odds of reporting past-month marijuana use than those with no disabilities. The odds of past-month marijuana use were higher among those with cognitive (AOR=1.78, 95% CI=1.64, 1.94), sensory (AOR=1.30, 95% CI=1.12, 1.51), and daily activities-related (AOR=1.64, 95% CI=1.49, 1.80) disabilities than among their counterparts without disabilities.

This study found an increased prevalence of past-month marijuana use among women of reproductive age with disabilities. Enhanced screening and counseling using evidence-based practices during routine care for women with disabilities may be necessary to mitigate marijuana use.