Presentation Information
[P-14-03]Exploring Cannabis Knowledge and Attitudes among Mental Health Clinic Outpatients: Implications for Education and Intervention Strategies
*Napat Kammarabutr, Veevarin Charoenporn, Pairath Tapanadechopone (Thammasat University Hospital (Thailand))
Keywords:
Cannabis,Knowledge,Attitude,Legalization,Mental health
Introduction: This study explores the attitudes and knowledge regarding cannabis legalization and potential harm among outpatient psychiatric patients at Thammasat University Hospital. It explores perceptions of cannabis legalization considering age, gender, diagnosis, frequency of use and assesses knowledge regarding the adverse effects of cannabis on mental health, focusing on patient awareness of associated risks.
Objectives: To investigate the views, attitudes, knowledge, understanding of possible cannabis adverse effects and risk factors among non-emergency psychiatric patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used, targeting patients over 15 years old attending the mental health clinic from May 31 to October 31, 2023. Purposive sampling selected patients diagnosed with primary psychiatric disorders under ICD-10 codes F20-F29, F30-F31, F32-F34, F40-F41, and F43. A total of 423 patients were surveyed using validated questionnaires, including the Burapha University questionnaire and WHO-Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test for cannabis (ASSIST) V3.
Results: Of the 423 patients, 59.1% were women, with a mean age of 32.62 years. The majority were single (75.95%) and Buddhist (80.6%), with 50.15% earning less than 15,000 baht monthly. Depressive disorders were diagnosed in 49.1%, 14.2% had a history of cannabis use, and 5.2% were current users with 79.3% of users are at intermediate risk of addiction. Notably, 82% had poor understanding of cannabis, with only 18% having fair knowledge. Influential factors included age, occupation, and history of cannabis use. Perceptions toward cannabis were generally fair, while those with higher incomes and cannabis use history had more positive perceptions. No significant association was found between variables and attitudes towards cannabis laws and recreational use.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for tailored education and intervention strategies to address knowledge gaps and potential harms associated with cannabis use in this vulnerable population, particularly considering the high proportion of women and individuals with low socioeconomic status in this sample.
Objectives: To investigate the views, attitudes, knowledge, understanding of possible cannabis adverse effects and risk factors among non-emergency psychiatric patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used, targeting patients over 15 years old attending the mental health clinic from May 31 to October 31, 2023. Purposive sampling selected patients diagnosed with primary psychiatric disorders under ICD-10 codes F20-F29, F30-F31, F32-F34, F40-F41, and F43. A total of 423 patients were surveyed using validated questionnaires, including the Burapha University questionnaire and WHO-Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test for cannabis (ASSIST) V3.
Results: Of the 423 patients, 59.1% were women, with a mean age of 32.62 years. The majority were single (75.95%) and Buddhist (80.6%), with 50.15% earning less than 15,000 baht monthly. Depressive disorders were diagnosed in 49.1%, 14.2% had a history of cannabis use, and 5.2% were current users with 79.3% of users are at intermediate risk of addiction. Notably, 82% had poor understanding of cannabis, with only 18% having fair knowledge. Influential factors included age, occupation, and history of cannabis use. Perceptions toward cannabis were generally fair, while those with higher incomes and cannabis use history had more positive perceptions. No significant association was found between variables and attitudes towards cannabis laws and recreational use.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for tailored education and intervention strategies to address knowledge gaps and potential harms associated with cannabis use in this vulnerable population, particularly considering the high proportion of women and individuals with low socioeconomic status in this sample.