SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Demographic Factors and Psychological Distress Influencing Recent Marijuana Use

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This study examined demographic and mental health factors associated with recent marijuana use among U.S. adults using 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data. Recent use was defined as marijuana use within the past 30 days. The analysis included adults aged 18 and older and used logistic regression in SAS 9.4.<br /><br />Among 14,022 marijuana users, 3,989 (28.4%) reported recent use. The sample was diverse in age, sex, and race, with non-Hispanic White adults making up the largest group.<br /><br />The main findings showed that recent marijuana use was significantly associated with several factors: serious psychological distress in the past month (aOR 1.6), younger age 18–25 years (aOR 1.9), male gender (aOR 1.4), Black race (aOR 1.2), divorced or separated status (aOR 1.7), never married status (aOR 2.2), and unemployment (aOR 1.6). In contrast, Asian race was associated with lower odds of recent use (aOR 0.7).<br /><br />The authors conclude that recent marijuana use is linked to both demographic characteristics and concurrent psychological distress. They suggest these findings may help identify groups at higher risk and inform harm-reduction efforts. Given rising marijuana use in the U.S., especially after legalization in some states, they recommend discussing urine toxicology screening and supportive counseling during hospital care when appropriate.

Asset Subtitle

Anem S. Malik

Meta Tag

Author List Aimn Rashid, Anem S. Malik, Ashley Malekunnel, Nadia Hamid, Nikhil Tondehal, Saadiya Hawa, Sushma Srinivas

Category Research

Concept Marijuana Use

Concept Serious Psychological Distress

Concept Demographic Factor

Concept Age Group

Concept Psychosocial Factors

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization King Edward Medical University, Pakistan

Presenting Author Anem S. Malik

Track Other

Keywords

marijuana use

recent use

psychological distress

demographic factors

U.S. adults

NSDUH 2020

logistic regression

age 18-25

unemployment

race and marital status

Marijuana Use

Serious Psychological Distress

Demographic Factor

Age Group

Psychosocial Factors