Cannabis use associated with high-risk drug use among Palestinians: An emerging health risk
Introduction The West Bank has seen an increase in cannabis use, but there are few studies on the prevalence and factors associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use among Palestinians. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of THC use and its associations with sociodemographic factor...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Population Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.populationmedicine.eu/Cannabis-use-associated-with-high-risk-drug-use-among-Palestinians-An-emerging-health,180979,0,2.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction
The West Bank has seen an increase in
cannabis use, but there are few studies on the prevalence
and factors associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
use among Palestinians. The aim of this study was to
examine the prevalence of THC use and its associations with
sociodemographic factors and its potential association with
the use of alcohol, tobacco, energy drinks, coffee, and also
other illicit drugs.
Methods
Male Palestinians from the West Bank were invited
to give urine samples in a cross-sectional study in 2022. The
study employed a self-reported questionnaire to identify
participants who were current users in the last 30 days,
including alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco smoking, energy
drinks, and coffee.
Results
The response rate was 68.2%. Out of 743
respondents, 8% declined to provide urine samples,
leaving 656 participants with median age 28 years (IQR:
22–35), 24.7% single, and 20.3% illiterate. THC was found
in 7.3% of the urine samples. A crude analysis of logistic
regression indicated that THC was used in combination
with alcohol (OR=3.62; 95% CI: 1.40–9.63, p=0.015),
benzodiazepines (OR=6.42; 95% CI: 3.35–12.29, p<0.001),
amphetamines OR=7.72; 95% CI: 3.89–15.32, p<0.001),
and methamphetamines (OR=10.21; 95% CI: 5.1–20.41,
p<0.001). Adjusted logistic regression revealed that THC
use was associated with alcohol use (AOR=3.4; 95% CI:
1.56–7.38, p=0.002), benzodiazepines (AOR=2.57; 95%
CI: 1.04–6.34, p=0.041), methamphetamines (AOR=3.76;
95% CI: 1.02–13.88, p<0.047), and an education level of
undergraduate degree or higher (AOR=5.27; 95% CI: 1.23–
22.66, p=0.018).
Conclusions
These findings highlight the potential for
polysubstance use and its implications for individual health
outcomes. THC use associated with other drugs presents
a new challenge for the health system with new emerging
health issues. Further research is needed to comprehensively
explore THC use in Palestine and the surrounding region,
taking into account the unique sociocultural factors that may
influence these behaviors. |
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| ISSN: | 2654-1459 |