Creencias y motivos asociados al consumo de cannabis en población escolarizada de la ciudad de Valencia, España

Abstract

Objective

To determine the beliefs and motives significantly associated with the consumption and not consumption of cannabis among scholars in Valencia city, analyzing differences by gender.

Material and methods

Transversal design. 1,324 students participated, with a mean age of 14.86 (SD = 3.17), and 47.7% are men. χ² tests and logistic regressions are used.

Results

Denying the negative effects on both physical and mental, and to the social environment is associated with testing the substance, and occasional or daily consumption, and believing that consumption is good for achieving a goal is associated with occasional and daily consumption. The boys indicate more that the consumption is good to achieve an emotional state or goal. The belief “if you control, nothing happens” is associated with experimental, occasional and daily consumption, and denial, to never try. The reasons associated with current consumption are to relax, have fun, and forget the problems. The motive most indicated for hadn't consumed it, is because it harms the physical and mental health. The boys indicate more to no consume because it's expensive and due personal convictions of moral type; the girls, due they feel good and to be able to amuse without drugs.

Conclusions

It is important to reinforce beliefs that negative effects of cannabis occurs on the physical, mental and social environment, even when it is perceived that the consumption is being controled. Reasons for reducing stress are potential for consuming occasionally and daily; it is therefore necessary to educate or provide alternatives for leisure and relaxation.