Examining Risk Factors in the Cannabis–Suicide Link: Considering Trauma and Impulsivity among University Students

Prediction of Suicidal Thoughts and Suicide Attempts in People Who Gamble Based on Biological-Psychological-Social Variables: A Machine Learning Study

Recent research has shown that people who gamble are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to the general population. Despite the advancements made, no study to date has predicted suicide risk factors in people who gamble using machine learning algorithms. Therefore, current study aimed to identify the most critical predictors of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts among people who gamble using a machine learning approach. An online survey conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 741 people who gamble (mean age: 25.9 ± 5.56). To predict the risk of suicide attempts and ideation, we employed a comprehensive set of 40 biological, psychological, social, and socio-demographic variables. The predictive models were developed using Logistic Regression, Random Forest (RF), robust eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and ensemble machine learning algorithms. Data analysis was performed using R-Studio software. Random Forest emerged as the top-performing algorithm for predicting suicidal ideation, with an impressive AUC of 0.934, sensitivity of 0.7514, specificity of 0.9885, PPV of 0.9473, and NPV of 0.9347. Across all models, dissociation, depression, and anxiety symptoms consistently emerged as crucial predictors of suicidal ideation. However, for suicide attempt prediction, all models exhibited weaker performance. XGBoost showed the best performance in this regard, with an AUC of 0.663, sensitivity of 0.78, specificity of 0.8990, PPV of 0.34, NPV of 0.984, and accuracy of 0.8918. Depressive symptoms and rumination severity were highlighted as the most important predictors of suicide attempts according to this model. These findings have important implications for clinical practice and public health interventions. Machine learning could help detect individuals prone to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among people who gamble, assisting in creating tailored prevention programs to address future suicide risks more effectively.

Marijuana use and its correlates among school-going Jamaican adolescents: a finding from a national survey

Introduction

The recent data indicate almost a fifth of Jamaican adolescents used marijuana in the past 30 days. To ensure the optimal allocation of resources, a country-specific understanding of factors associated with marijuana use among adolescents is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to address this gap among adolescents aged 13-17 years in Jamaica.

Methods

We analyzed data from the recent Jamaica Global School-Based Student Health Survey conducted in 2017. The sample consists of school-going Jamaican adolescents of 7th-12th grades. The prevalence of recent marijuana use was assessed and compared across different demographics, substance use, and risk behaviors using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Older adolescents and men had a higher likelihood of recent marijuana use. Psychosocial risks, such as loneliness, frequent worry, suicidal ideation, physical attacks, and school absenteeism, were associated with higher marijuana usage. Parental smoking increased the odds, whereas strong parental support and awareness decreased it. Other substance uses, especially amphetamine and tobacco products, had strong associations with marijuana use. Early initiation of substances was associated with a higher risk of marijuana use. Sexually active adolescents, especially those initiated before the age of 14 years, had higher rates of marijuana use.

Conclusion

The intricate link between harmful and supportive psychosomatic and risk behaviors with recent marijuana use highlights the importance of holistic interventions and policies focusing on emotional health, parental guidance, substance education, and sexual activity implications.

Suicidal ideation among Canadian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of psychosocial factors and substance use behaviours

BACKGROUND

Suicide is one of the most important and increasing public health agenda around the world. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised about the potential adverse impacts of the pandemic on suicide-related outcomes. The main objective of this study was to examine the association of psychosocial risk factors (mental health illnesses and social isolation) and substance use behaviors (cannabis and alcohol consumption) with suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic among Canadian adults.

METHODS

The study was conducted based on a total of 4005 persons 18 years of age or older, living in Canada's ten provinces. The data used in this study were collected during April 20-28, 2021, by Mental Health Research Canada. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association of mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, and other mood disorder) before and since COVID-19 outbreaks, social isolation and living arrangement, as well as cannabis and alcohol consumption with suicidal ideation during COVID-19.

RESULTS

The results of adjusted logistic regression showed that the odds of suicidal ideation were 1.526 times higher (95% CI:1.082-2.152) among those who reported continued negative impacts of social isolation. The odds of suicidal ideation were also higher for those who were diagnosed as having depression before (OR = 3.136, 95% CI: 2.376-4.138) and since the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 3.019, 95% CI:1.929-4.726) and 1.627 times higher (95% CI: 1.225-2.163) for those who were diagnosed as having anxiety before the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who reported having increased and those who were consuming cannabis during the pandemic were 1.970 (95% CI: 1.463-2.653) and 1.509 times (95% CI: 1.158-1.966) more likely to have thought of suicide than non-takers, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Given the significant associations of psychosocial factors (mental health illnesses and social isolation) and cannabis use with suicidal ideation, more attention and support need to be given to adults who had mental health conditions before and since COVID-19, those who were negatively impacted by social isolation, and those are exposed to substance use (cannabis).