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Osborne A, James PB, Olorunsaiye CZ, Bangura C, Lebbie A. Cannabis use and its psychosocial correlates among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:986. [PMID: 38589826 PMCID: PMC11003035 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Sierra Leone, adolescents are increasingly engaging in risky activities, including cannabis use, which can lead to substance abuse, poor academic performance, and psychotic symptoms. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of cannabis use among school-going adolescents in the country. METHOD Data for the study was sourced from the 2017 Sierra Leone Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), a nationally representative survey conducted among adolescents aged 10-19 years using a multistage sampling methodology. A weighted sample of 1,467 adolescents in Sierra Leone was included in the study. The study utilised bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors linked to cannabis use, presenting results using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS The prevalence of cannabis use was 5.1% [3.0,8.6] among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone. School-going adolescents who attempted suicide [aOR = 6.34, 95% CI = 1.71-23.45], used amphetamine [aOR = 15.84, 95% CI = 7.94-31.62] and were involved in sexual risk behaviour [aOR = 5.56, 95% CI = 2.18-14.20] were more likely to be associated with cannabis use. CONCLUSION In Sierra Leone, a small but non-trivial minority of students use cannabis. Ever-used amphetamines or methamphetamines, suicidal attempts, and sexual risk behaviour were the factors associated with cannabis use in Sierra Leone. The development of school-based health intervention programmes is crucial to address the risk factors associated with cannabis use among school-going adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustus Osborne
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Basic Sciences, Njala University, PMB, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Peter Bai James
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Comfort Z Olorunsaiye
- Department of Public Health, Arcadia University, 450 S Easton Road, Glenside, PA, 19038, USA
| | - Camilla Bangura
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Basic Sciences, Njala University, PMB, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Aiah Lebbie
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Basic Sciences, Njala University, PMB, Freetown, Sierra Leone
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Azasu EK, Quarshie ENB, Messias E, Larnyoh M, Ali E, Joe S. Psychological and socio-ecological correlates of 12-month suicide behavior among junior high school students in the greater Accra region of Ghana. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02613-5. [PMID: 38308709 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02613-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
AIM In Ghana, we know little about the epidemiology of suicide ideation, plan and attempts among junior high school (JHS) students in Ghana including the years preceding high school. This study explores the onset, characteristics, and recent patterns of 12-month suicide behavior among Ghanaian junior high school (JHS) students. MATERIALS AND METHODS Paper-based surveys were administered to a sample (n = 800) of junior high school students in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Self-reported measures on suicide ideation, plan and attempt as well as several psychological and psychosocial factors related to mental health, substance use, poverty, sexual behavior, interpersonal relationships, and family structure were employed. Bi-variate, multivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). RESULTS This study found that 1 out of 5 adolescents have experienced suicide ideation in the last 12 months. Girls had significantly higher 12-month (χ2 = 3.5, p < 0.05) suicide ideation rates than boys. More importantly, the study found stress significantly increasing the odds of suicide behaviors in the last 12 months (β = 1.14; CI = 1.05-1.24, p < 0.05) and parental support significantly reducing the odds of suicide behaviors in the last 12 months (β = 0.86; CI = 0.81-0.91, p < 0.05). Additionally, we found significant associations between sexual intercourse, dating, hunger, substance use, suicide stigma and suicide behaviors. CONCLUSION This finding highlights a potential emerging suicide crisis among preteens which warrants attention. Additional studies are needed to observe these increasing trends and identify risk, protective and precipitating factors to help prevent suicide among these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Kordjo Azasu
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint Louis University Medical School, 1438 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
| | | | - Erick Messias
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Ali
- Department of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Sean Joe
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
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Quansah Amissah R. The potential for Ghana to become a leader in the African hemp industry. J Cannabis Res 2023; 5:37. [PMID: 37899465 PMCID: PMC10614304 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-023-00205-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global interest in hemp cultivation and utilization is on the rise, presenting both challenges and opportunities for African countries. This article focuses on Ghana's potential to establish a thriving hemp sector, considering its favorable climate, abundant agricultural resources, and existing policies and programs that support the growth and advancement of the agricultural sector, as well as agro-processing and value addition. MAIN BODY Ghana's recent decriminalization of cannabis with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels marks a progressive step, unlocking opportunities for research, commercial production, and innovation in hemp-related sectors. This regulatory change paves the way for the development of textiles, construction materials, and wellness products derived from hemp. However, the African hemp industry faces various simultaneous challenges, including pest management, absence of regulatory frameworks, limited research, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to finance and investment capital for small-scale farmers. Fortunately, several countries that have legalized hemp cultivation and processing have found innovative solutions to these challenges through the use of integrated pest management strategies, establishing collaborations with international standards organizations, implementing public-private partnerships, offering tax incentives for investors, and providing low-interest loans and credit facilities for small-scale farmers. Ghana can draw inspiration from these successful approaches and adapt them to its own context to foster the growth of the hemp industry. CONCLUSION By capitalizing on its strengths and addressing the challenges it is likely to face while developing its hemp industry, Ghana can position itself as a leader in the African hemp industry. This position of leadership would not only drive economic growth, but also create job opportunities and foster sustainable development through responsible hemp cultivation and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Quansah Amissah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Quarshie ENB, Dey NEY, Oppong Asante K. Adolescent suicidal behaviour in Namibia: a cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates among 3,152 school learners aged 12-17 years. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:169. [PMID: 36922818 PMCID: PMC10018865 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While adolescent suicidal behaviour (ideation, planning, and attempt) remains a global public health concern, available county-specific evidence on the phenomenon from African countries is relatively less than enough. The present study was conducted to estimate the 12-month prevalence and describe some of the associated factors of suicide behaviour among school-going adolescents aged 12-17 years old in Namibia. METHODS Participants (n = 4531) answered a self-administered anonymous questionnaire developed and validated for the nationally representative Namibia World Health Organization Global School-based Student Health Survey conducted in 2013. We applied univariate, bivariable, and multivariable statistical approaches to the data. RESULTS Of the 3,152 analytical sample, 20.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.3-22.2%) reported suicidal ideation, 25.2% (95% CI: 22.3-28.4%) engaged in suicide planning, and 24.5% (95% CI: 20.9-28.6%) attempted suicide during the previous 12 months. Of those who attempted suicide, 14.6% (95% CI: 12.5-16.9%) reported one-time suicide attempt, and 9.9% (95% CI: 8.1-12.1%) attempted suicide at least twice in the previous 12 months. The final adjusted multivariable models showed physical attack victimisation, bullying victimisation, loneliness, and parental intrusion of privacy as key factors associated with increased likelihood of suicidal ideation, planning, one-time suicide attempt, and repeated attempted suicide. Cannabis use showed the strongest association with increased relative risk of repeated attempted suicide. CONCLUSION The evidence highlights the importance of paying more attention to addressing the mental health needs (including those related to psychological and social wellness) of school-going adolescents in Namibia. While the current study suggests that further research is warranted to explicate the pathways to adolescent suicide in Namibia, identifying and understanding the correlates (at the individual-level, family-level, interpersonal-level, school context and the broader community context) of adolescent suicidal ideations and non-fatal suicidal behaviours are useful for intervention and prevention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 84, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Belete H, Mekonen T, Espinosa DC, Ambaw F, Connor J, Chan G, Hides L, Hall W, Leung J. Cannabis use in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2023. [PMID: 36807954 DOI: 10.1111/add.16170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The most available data on the prevalence of cannabis use come from population surveys conducted in high-income countries in North America, Oceania and Europe. Less is known about the prevalence of cannabis use in Africa. This systematic review aimed to summarize general population-level cannabis use in sub-Saharan Africa since 2010. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and AJOL databases in addition to Global Health Data Exchange and grey literature without language restriction. Search terms related to 'substance', 'Substance-Related Disorders' and 'Prevalence' and 'Africa South of the Sahara' were used. Studies that reported cannabis use in the general population were selected, while studies from clinical populations and high-risk groups were excluded. Prevalence data on cannabis use in the general population of adolescents (10-17 years) and adults (≥ 18 years) in sub-Saharan Africa were extracted. RESULTS The study included 53 studies for the quantitative meta-analysis and included 13 239 participants. Among adolescents, the life-time, 12-month and 6-month prevalence of cannabis use were 7.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.4-10.9%], 5.2% (95% CI = 1.7-10.3%) and 4.5% (95% CI = 3.3-5.8%), respectively. The corresponding life-time, 12-month and 6-month prevalence of cannabis use among adults were 12.6% (95% CI = 6.1-21.2%), 2.2% (95% CI = 1.7-2.7%, with data only available from Tanzania and Uganda) and 4.7% (95% CI = 3.3-6.4%), respectively. The male-to-female life-time cannabis use relative risk was 1.90 (95% CI = 1.25-2.98) among adolescents and 1.67 (CI = 0.63-4.39) among adults. CONCLUSIONS Life-time cannabis use prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa appears to be approximately 12% for adults and just under 8% for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habte Belete
- Department of Psychiatry, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.,School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tesfa Mekonen
- Department of Psychiatry, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.,School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Fentie Ambaw
- School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Jason Connor
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gary Chan
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Leanne Hides
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Janni Leung
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Choi J, Chung J, Choi J. Exploring Impact of Marijuana (Cannabis) Abuse on Adults Using Machine Learning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10357. [PMID: 34639657 PMCID: PMC8508366 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana is the most common illicit substance globally. The rate of marijuana use is increasing in young adults in the US. The current environment of legalizing marijuana use is further contributing to an increase of users. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of adults who abuse marijuana (20-49 years old) and analyze behavior and social relation variables related to depression and suicide risk using machine-learning algorithms. A total of 698 participants were identified from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health survey as marijuana dependent in the previous year. Principal Component Analysis and Chi-square were used to select features (variables) and mean imputation method was applied for missing data. Logistic regression, Random Forest, and K-Nearest Neighbor machine-learning algorithms were used to build depression and suicide risk prediction models. The results showed unique characteristics of the group and well-performing prediction models with influential risk variables. Identified risk variables were aligned with previous studies and suggested the development of marijuana abuse prevention programs targeting 20-29 year olds with a regular depression and suicide screening. Further study is suggested for identifying specific barriers to receiving timely treatment for depression and suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeyae Choi
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - Joohyun Chung
- College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, USA; (J.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeungok Choi
- College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, USA; (J.C.); (J.C.)
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Tetteh J, Ekem-Ferguson G, Quarshie ENB, Swaray SM, Ayanore MA, Seneadza NAH, Asante KO, Yawson AE. Marijuana use and suicidal behaviours among school-going adolescents in Africa: assessments of prevalence and risk factors from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey. Gen Psychiatr 2021; 34:e100558. [PMID: 34557644 PMCID: PMC8395261 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2021-100558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Marijuana use among adolescents, including high school students, has been consistently reported to be associated with a high incidence of suicidal behaviours. Little empirical research has been conducted on the propensity impact of marijuana use on suicidal behaviours in Africa. Aims To assess factors associated with marijuana use and further quantify marijuana use as an associated factor of suicidal behaviours, including repeated attempted suicide, suicidal ideation and suicide planning, among high school students in Africa. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 32 802 school-going adolescents using the Global School-Based Student Health Survey data from 10 African countries grouped into West Africa, North Africa, South-East Africa, South Africa and East Africa subregions. Marijuana use and repeated attempted suicide were the main outcome variables. We employed double selection least absolute shrinkage and selection operator poisson regression model to assess risk factors associated with marijuana use and dominance analysis to establish ranked important and common risk factors. Inverse probability weighting poisson regression adjustment was applied to assess impact. Results The prevalence of marijuana use and repeated attempted suicide were 3.7% (95% CI: 3.1 to 4.3) and 6.6% (95% CI: 5.9 to 7.4), respectively. The most important risk factor for marijuana use generally across the countries and specifically in three subregions was alcohol consumption, which constituted approximately 40% of the impact. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) indicated that marijuana use significantly increased the risk of suicidal ideation, suicide planning and repeated attempted suicide by 12% (ATT=0.12 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.22)), 18% (ATT=0.18 (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.22)) and 31% (ATT=0.31 (95% CI: 0.20 to 0.41)), respectively. Conclusions Marijuana use was significantly associated with suicidal behaviours (suicidal ideation, planning and repeated attempted suicide) among the students. To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.5 (to strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse), school-based psychosocial interventions should be streamlined to adequately assess and manage marijuana use. Targeting the most dominant risk factors in this population could translate into the reduction of suicidal behaviours in countries within Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tetteh
- Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana College of Humanities, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Martin Amogre Ayanore
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences School of Public Health, Hohoe, Ghana
| | | | - Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana College of Humanities, Accra, Ghana
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