scholarly journals The Association between Recent Cannabis Use and Suicidal Ideation in Adults: A Population-based Analysis of the NHANES from 2005 to 2018: L’association Entre L’utilisation Récente de Cannabis et L’idéation Suicidaire Chez les Adultes: Une Analyse Dans la Population de la NHANES de 2005 à 2018

2021 ◽  
pp. 070674372199611
Author(s):  
Calvin Diep ◽  
Venkat Bhat ◽  
Duminda N. Wijeysundera ◽  
Hance A. Clarke ◽  
Karim S. Ladha

Objective: With the increasing prevalence of cannabis use, there is a growing concern about its association with depression and suicidality. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between recent cannabis use and suicidal ideation using a nationally representative data set. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of adults was undertaken using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005 to 2018. Participants were dichotomized by whether or not they had used cannabis in the past 30 days. The primary outcome was suicidal ideation, and secondary outcomes were depression and having recently seen a mental health professional. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders, and survey sample weights were considered in the model. Results: Compared to those with no recent use ( n = 18,599), recent users ( n = 3,127) were more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation in the past 2 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.54, 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.00, P = 0.001), be depressed (aOR 1.53, 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.82, P < 0.001), and to have seen a mental health professional in the past 12 months (aOR 1.28, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.59, P = 0.023). Conclusions: Cannabis use in the past 30 days was associated with suicidal thinking and depression in adults. This relationship is likely multifactorial but highlights the need for specific guidelines and policies for the prescription of medical cannabis for psychiatric therapy. Future research should continue to characterize the health effects of cannabis use in the general population.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Camille Burruss ◽  
Marina Girgis ◽  
Karen Elizabeth Green ◽  
Lingyi Lu ◽  
Deepak Palakshappa

Abstract Background To determine if individuals with food insecurity (FI) were less likely to have seen a mental health professional (MHP) within the past year than individuals without FI. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted in the United States between 2007 and 2014. All participants 20 years of age or older were eligible for this study. We excluded participants who were pregnant, missing FI data, or missing data from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The primary outcome was self-reported contact with a MHP in the past 12 months. We used multivariable logistic regression models to test the association between FI and contact with a MHP, controlling for all demographic and clinical covariates. Results Of the 19,789 participants, 13.9% were food insecure and 8.1% had major depressive disorder (MDD). In bivariate analysis, participants with FI were significantly more likely to have MDD (5.3% vs 2.8%, p < 0.0001) and to have been seen by a MHP in the preceding 12 months (14.0% vs 6.9%, p < 0.0001). In multivariable models, adults with FI had higher odds of having seen a MHP (OR = 1.32, CI: 1.07, 1.64). Conclusions This study demonstrates that individuals with FI were significantly more likely to have seen a MHP in the preceding 12 months compared to individuals without FI. Given the growing interest in addressing unmet social needs in healthcare settings, this data suggests that visits with MHPs may be a valuable opportunity to screen for and intervene on FI.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha A. Kaeser ◽  
Cheryl Hawk ◽  
Michelle L. Anderson ◽  
Richard Reinhardt

Objective: Free or outreach clinics offer students the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations. The objective of this study was to describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of a sample of chiropractic patients at a free community-based clinic to assess clinical and educational opportunities for students to work with diverse populations, collaborate with other professions and practice health promotion through patient education. Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over 2 months. Data on demographics, health status, and health risks were collected from patients and their interns. Results: Of the 158 patients, 50.6% were women and 50.6% African-American, while only 20.9% were employed full-time. Of the 24.7% tobacco users, 48.7% expressed interest in cessation. Of 80.0% overweight or obese patients, 48.8% expressed interest in weight loss. By self-report, 16.5% were diabetic, 10.1% took hypertension medication, 36.7% used prescription pain medication (9.4% opiate use), 33.5% used nonprescription pain medication, and 9.4% were under the care of a mental health professional. Conclusion: This patient population is demographically diverse. A high proportion of patients who used tobacco, or were overweight or obese expressed interest in information on those topics. A substantial proportion reported being under care with a mental health professional. This clinic provides opportunities for students to work with diverse populations, collaborate with other professions, and practice health promotion.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren McGillivray ◽  
Demee Rheinberger ◽  
Jessica Wang ◽  
Alexander Burnett ◽  
Michelle Torok

Abstract Background Prevalence of suicidal ideation increases rapidly in adolescence, and many choose not to seek help and disclose their ideation. Young people who do disclose suicidal ideation, prefer to do so with peers and family compared to mental health professionals, who are best placed to provide evidence-based treatment. This study aimed to identify key factors associated with young people’s decision to, or not to disclose suicidal thoughts to their mental health practitioner. Methods A community-based sample of young Australians (16–25 years), who had experienced suicidal ideation and engaged with a mental health professional, completed an online questionnaire (N = 513) which assessed demographic characteristics, severity of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempts, exposure to suicide loss, personal suicide stigma, prioritisation of mental health issues, and therapeutic alliance. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with disclosure. Results Though the full sample had engaged in therapy, 39% had never disclosed suicidal ideation to their clinician. Those who had disclosed were more likely to report greater prioritisation of suicidal ideation (OR = 4.07, 95% CI = 2.34–7.09), therapeutic alliance (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.06), and personal suicide stigma (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.06). The most common reason for not disclosing was concern that it would not remain confidential. Conclusion These findings provide new insights into why young people may not seek help for suicidal ideation, despite being engaged with a mental health professional, and establish evidence to inform practice decisions and the development of prevention strategies to support young people for suicide.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Lintzeris ◽  
Llewellyn Mills ◽  
Anastasia Suraev ◽  
Maria Bravo ◽  
Thomas Arkell ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: In 2016 the Australian federal government passed legislation enabling a range of cannabis-based products to be prescribed to patients by registered healthcare professionals. An online survey conducted immediately prior to these legislative changes found that the vast majority of respondents at the time were illicitly sourcing cannabis plant matter, smoking was the preferred route of administration, and mental health, chronic pain, and sleep conditions were the most frequently cited reasons for medical cannabis use. This manuscript reports the results of a follow-up survey conducted in 2018-2019, the Cannabis As Medicine Survey (CAMS-18). The goal of this second questionnaire was to examine patterns of use and consumer perspectives regarding medical cannabis use in Australia, two years after the introduction of legal access pathways. Methods: Anonymous online cross-sectional survey with convenience sample, recruited mainly through online media between September 2018 and March 2019. Participants were adults (18 years or over) residing in Australia who reported using a cannabis product for self-identified therapeutic reasons during the preceding 12 months. The survey measured consumer characteristics; indications and patterns of medical cannabis use; routes and frequency of administration; perceived benefits and harms; experiences and preferred models of access to medical cannabis. Results: Data were available for 1388 respondents. The main categories of condition being treated with medical cannabis were pain (36.4%), mental health (32.8%), sleep (9.2%), neurological (5.2%) and cancer (3.8%). Respondents reported using medical cannabis on 15.8 (11.2) days in the past 28, by inhaled (71.4%) or oral (26.5%) routes and spending AUD$82.27 ($101.27) per week. There were high levels of self-reported effectiveness, but also high rates of side effects. There was uncertainty regarding the composition of illicit cannabinoid products and concerns regarding their possible contamination. Few respondents (2.7%) had accessed legally prescribed medical cannabis, with the main perceived barriers being cost, disinterest from the medical profession, and stigma regarding cannabis use. Conclusions: Chronic pain, mental health and sleep remain the main clinical conditions for which consumers report using medical cannabis. Despite two years of legal availability, most consumers in Australia reported accessing illicit cannabis products, with uncertainty regarding the quality or composition of cannabis products.


Author(s):  
Tanja Neufeld ◽  
Katrin Pfuhlmann ◽  
Beate Stock-Schröer ◽  
Lana Kairey ◽  
Nina Bauer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Progressive legalization and increasing utilization of medical cannabis open up potential new applications, including for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to collect current figures on the use of and experience with cannabis among IBD patients in Germany. Methods A 71-item questionnaire was mailed to a randomly selected representative sample of 1000 IBD patients. Results Questionnaires were returned by 417 patients (mean age 49.1 ± 17.0 years; 55.8 % women; 43.4 % ulcerative colitis and 54.7 % Crohn’s disease). Seventy-three respondents (17.5 %) stated past cannabis use for recreational purposes, while 12 users mentioned usage at the time the questionnaire was completed (2.9 %). Seventeen patients (4.1 %) indicated past use of cannabis, and 18 participants (4.3 %) reported current use of cannabis to treat IBD. Perceived benefits of cannabis use by its users included reduced abdominal pain, improved sleep quality, and relief of unease and worry. They reported lower quality of life and higher levels of anxiety or depression than non-users. Of notice, 52.9 % of cannabis users obtained their cannabis from the black market. A total of 76.5 % of former and 50 % of current users did not report their cannabis use to the physician. Conclusion This survey reveals the largest data set on cannabis use among IBD patients in Germany, with the potential for further research. Cannabis is mainly procured from the black market, with unknown quality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-186
Author(s):  
Kaprea F. Johnson ◽  
Dana L. Brookover

A mental health professional shortage area (MHPSA) is an area lacking psychiatrists as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Prior research found the lack of psychiatrists can be directly related to adverse health outcomes. The current investigation focused on the United States by state level and the relationship between MHPSAs, suicide rates, and access to professional counselors. Results from a cross-sectional analysis found MHPSAs were highly correlated with suicide deaths. There was a significant inverse relationship between number of professional counselors in an area and suicide deaths, and being uninsured was highly related to MHPSA and suicide. The results support the need for access to professional counselors. Policies incentivizing professional counselors to work in MHPSAs are needed because of their potential role in minimizing suicide deaths.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James MacKillop ◽  
Jasmine Turna

Policy changes have resulted in dramatic increases in access to cannabis for medical purposes. Veterans are disproportionately affected by conditions for which medical cannabis is often pursued, making an evidence-based perspective on risks versus benefits of high priority. The current review sought to examine the state of the evidence on consequences and correlates of cannabis use among veterans. Using a comprehensive search strategy, 501 articles were identified and 86 studies met criteria for inclusion. The literature was predominated by cross-sectional studies (67%) of male veterans (71.4%-100% male) from the United States (93.0%). Three overarching themes emerged, comprising cannabis associations with other substance use, mental health, and physical health outcomes. The balance of the evidence associated cannabis use with negative health outcomes, with consistent positive associations with other substance use, psychiatric disorders, and self-harm/suicidality. Few studies examined the therapeutic effects of cannabis, thus limiting the potential to evaluate evidence of efficacy. Priority areas for future research are studies using designs that can examine the directionality of links between cannabis and health in veterans more conclusively, and studies directly examining therapeutic efficacy of cannabis-based therapies in veterans. Methodologically rigorous design will be essential to inform clinical recommendations and practices guidelines in an era of burgeoning access to cannabis.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A94-A94
Author(s):  
Calvin Diep ◽  
Chenchen Tian ◽  
Christine Won ◽  
Karim Ladha ◽  
Mandeep Singh

Abstract Introduction Shifts in medicolegal attitudes towards cannabis, coupled with widespread legalization, have led to North America having the highest prevalence of cannabis use worldwide. Amongst other known physiologic effects, regular cannabis use can cause changes to sleep duration and quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between recent cannabis use and sleep duration using a nationally representative data set. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of adults was undertaken using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005–2018. Respondents were dichotomized by whether or not they had used cannabis in the past 30 days. The primary outcome was inadequate nightly sleep duration, defined as self-reported sleep duration less than 6 hours per night. Secondary outcomes were related to self-reported issues with sleep. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders and survey sample weights were considered in the model. Results Compared to those with no recent cannabis use (n=18,631), recent users (n=3,135) were more likely to report less than 6 hours of sleep per night (aOR 1.33 95% 1.13–1.57, p&lt;0.001). Recent users were also more likely to report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much in the past two weeks (aOR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09–1.35, p&lt;0.001), and having ever mentioned these issues to a physician (aOR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.37, p=0.003). Respondents using cannabis at least 20 of the past 30 days were characterized as heavy users, and were even more likely than moderate users to report insufficient sleep. These results did not significantly differ between years of survey administration. Conclusion Recent cannabis use was associated with inadequate nightly sleep duration in adults and demonstrates a dose-dependent relationship. Although this relationship is complex and our findings cannot suggest directionality, they highlight the need to further characterize the sleep health of regular cannabis users in the general population. This is especially prudent as cannabinoids are becoming widely accepted for recreational use and increasingly prescribed as medical therapy. Support (if any):


Author(s):  
Emilijus Žilinskas ◽  
Giedrė Žulpaitė ◽  
Kristijonas Puteikis ◽  
Rima Viliūnienė

Mental health issues—anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and behavior—are prevalent among students of higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic further affected students’ daily life through academic and socioeconomic disturbances. We set out to investigate students’ mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted a cross-sectional online survey at higher education institutions in Lithuania in 2021. The questionnaire consisted of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-3) questionnaires, evaluation of suicidal risk, experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and self-rated health status (SRHS). Among 1001 students who completed the survey, the prevalence of clinically relevant anxiety was high (46.6%) and contrasted with the lower prevalence of depression (11.1%). 37.5% of all students admitted that they had thought about suicide at least once during their lifetime and a similar number of students thought about suicide during the previous year. High levels of anxiety and depression were statistically significant predictors of suicidal ideation and planning during the past year in binary regression models. High SRHS (higher score refers to more positive health status) was the only significant independent variable associated with less frequent suicidal attempts in the past year (p < 0.01, OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.66). Our study highlights anxiety and suicidality to be burdensome mental health issues among higher education students in Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Background: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts among middle school students in Sierra Leone. Method: Data from 2,798 adolescents (15 years of median age) that responded to the cross-sectional &ldquo;2017 Sierra Leone Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)&rdquo; were analysed. Results: The prevalence of past 12-month suicidal ideation was 14.2%, suicide plans 16.0%, and suicide attempts 19.1%. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, worry-induced sleep disturbance (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.84, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.32-2.57), bullied (AOR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.77-4.74), trouble from alcohol use (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.03-3.50), and leisure-time sedentary behaviour (AOR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.18-4.98) were associated with suicidal ideation. Bullied (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.46-3.95) and current cannabis use (AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.51-4.09) were associated with suicide plans in the past 12 months. No close friends (AOR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.46-4.72) loneliness (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08-2.66), bullied (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.66-3.28), trouble from alcohol use (AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 2.25-7.13) and current cannabis use (AOR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.37-6.25) were positively and school attendance (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42-0.92) negatively associated with suicide attempts in the past 12 months. Conclusion: Almost one in five students had made suicide attempts in the past 12 months and several associated variables were discovered that can assist in designing interventions.


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