Factors associated with the use of cannabis by students at a public university.

Abstract

Objective: To identify frequency and factors associated with the use of cannabis among students at a public university in the state of Paraná.

Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted with 168 students from a public university in central Paraná, Brazil. Data were collected between August and November 2022 through the RedCap platform containing sociodemographic variables, on the use of cannabis, problems related to consumption, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Descriptive analysis and ordinary least squares multiple regression models were performed. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee.

Results: Cannabis use was reported by 84.5% of students and 13.7% had some problem related to consumption. The factors sexual orientation (homosexual p-value=0.02/asexual p-value =0.01), living with college friends (p-value=0.03) and higher income (p-value <0.001), were associated with both more days of consumption and problems. Tobacco use in the last 30 days was associated with more days of cannabis consumption (p-value=0.02) and higher levels of stress linked to consumption-related problems (p-value=0.05).

Conclusion: Cannabis use is frequent among students, and sociodemographic characteristics, the use of other substances, and stress were associated with both the number of consumption days and reported problems.