scholarly journals Medical cannabis use in Thailand after its legalization: a respondent-driven sample survey

PeerJ ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. e12809
Author(s):  
Sawitri Assanangkornchai ◽  
Kanittha Thaikla ◽  
Muhammadfahmee Talek ◽  
Darika Saingam

Background Many countries now allow the consumption of cannabis or cannabinoids for medical purposes with varying approaches concerning products allowed and the regulatory frameworks prevailing their endowment. On 18 February 2019 Thailand passed legislation allowing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. This study aimed to examine patterns and purposes for consumption of medical cannabis, and consumers’ perceptions and opinions towards benefits and harms of cannabis and related policies in 2019–2020. Methods A cross-sectional study using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method was conducted in four sites across Thailand. Participants were 485 adults aged 18 years and over, living in the study region, who had used cannabis for medical purposes within the past 12 months. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were used to collect data on (1) demographic characteristics, (2) pattern of consumption, (3) source of information and perception of benefits and harms of medical cannabis, and (4) opinion towards cannabis policies. Data were analyzed using RDS Analyst and presented as percentage and mean with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Most participants (84.7%, 95% CI [78.9–90.5]) used an oral form of crude oil extract while 9.2% (95% CI [4.1–14.2]) used the raw form. The most common uses were for treatment of cancers (23.3%, 95% CI [16.1–30.4]), neuropsychiatric symptoms (22.8%, 95% CI [17.5–28.0]), and musculoskeletal pains (21.6%, 95% CI [16.7–26.6]). Illegal sources such as underground traders (54.5%, 95% CI [40.8–68.3]), friends and relatives (12.2%, 95% CI [6.2–18.3]), not-for-profit provider groups (5.2%, 95% CI [0.5–10.9]), and clandestine growers or producers (2.9%, 95% CI [0.6–5.3]) were the main suppliers. Most (>80%) perceived cannabis could treat cancers, chronic pains, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease and generalized anxiety disorder. Less than half perceived that cannabis could cause adverse conditions e.g., palpitation, panic, memory impairment and schizophrenic-like psychosis. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the policies regarding permission to use cannabis for medical purposes (95.1%, 95% CI [92.0–98.2]), for the legal sale of medical cannabis products (95.9%, 95% CI [93.7–98.2]), and for people to grow cannabis for medical use (94.2%, 95% CI [91.8–96.5]). However, only two-thirds agreed with policies concerning the sales of cannabis (65.3%, 95% CI [56.9–73.7]) and home-grown cannabis for recreational purposes (61.3%, 95% CI [52.7–69.9]). Conclusion Our study reports the experiences of consumers of medical cannabis in the first year after its legalization in Thailand. Consumers reported various patterns and indications of consumption that were not supported by scientific evidence, but had positive perception of the results of consumption. These findings highlight ongoing policy challenges for Thailand and can be a lesson to be learned for other countries in the region.

RSBO ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabete Rabaldo Bottan ◽  
Iara Fiorentin Comunello ◽  
Constanza Marín ◽  
Eduardo Mazzetti Subtil

Introduction and Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge about oral cancer of students attending public school in one city of Santa Catarina (Brasil). Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, using primary data collection. Students of last year of elementary school and first year of high school, enrolled in public schools in the city of Itajaí (SC), in 2012, were the target population. The non-probability sample was obtained by convenience. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire structured with 13 questions divided into three fields. The level of knowledge was made based on pre-established scores. Results: 1149 instruments were analyzed (80.8% of the target population). The average age of the group was 15.5 years and 54.5% were female. The majority (78%) never had received information about oral cancer. Only 27.9% had cognizance about self-examination of the oral cavity. With regard to knowledge, 87.5% classified as unsatisfactory. For most issues the cognitive field did not identify a significant correlation between knowledge and the variables gender and education. When asked if they would like to participate in educational and preventive activitiesabout oral cancer and other issues related to health, 72.6% expressed interest. Conclusion: The group did not have adequate knowledge on the subject of oral cancer. Facing this reality, and the positive attitude of respondents, the researchers designed and offered an educational program to the research subjects.


2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482098313
Author(s):  
Bjørn E. Holstein ◽  
Sofie Weber Pant ◽  
Janni Ammitzbøll ◽  
Trine Pagh Pedersen

Background: Some studies suggest that favourable socioeconomic circumstances are associated with better parent–child relations but the documentation of such an association is limited and inconsistent. Few studies focused on infancy, few studies relied on objective measurement of parent–infant relations, and few studies included more than one measurement of parent–infant relations in the first year of life. Aims: To report the prevalence of objectively measured problems in parent–infant relations during the first year of life and to examine the association between socioeconomic circumstances and parent–infant relations in an unselected community sample of infants. Methods: Cross-sectional study of a community sample of children from birth to 10 months in 15 municipalities in Denmark, n = 11,765. The exposure variables were population register data about socioeconomic circumstances: (a) parents’ education, (b) family composition, (c) parents’ origin, and (d) parents’ occupational status. The outcome variable was the health visitor’s concerns about the parent–infant relation assessed at four home visits from birth to 10 months after delivery. Results: The proportion of children with concerns about the parent–infant relation was 10.5%, 7.8% at one home visit and 2.8% at two or more home visits. Logistic regression analyses showed that all four indicators of socioeconomic circumstances were associated with concerns about the parent–infant relation in the first year of life. Conclusions: The risk of problematic parent–infant relations were significantly elevated among, children of immigrant parents, and children of parents with shorter education and not in education or work.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manee Pinyopornpanish ◽  
Kanokporn Pinyopornpanish ◽  
Atiwat Soontornpun ◽  
Surat Tanprawate ◽  
Angkana Nadsasarn ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Caregiver burden affects the caregiver’s health and is related to the quality of care received by patients. This study aimed to determine the extent to which caregivers feel burdened when caring for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and to investigate the predictors for caregiving burden. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. One hundred two caregivers of patients with AD at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, a tertiary care hospital, were recruited. Assessment tools included the perceived stress scale (stress), PHQ-9 (depressive symptoms), Zarit Burden Interview-12 (burden), Clinical Dementia Rating (disease severity), Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaires (neuropsychiatric symptoms), and Barthel Activities Daily Living Index (dependency). The mediation analysis model was used to determine any associations. Results A higher level of severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), higher level of perceived stress (r = 0.57, p < 0.01), and higher level of depressive symptoms (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) were related to a higher level of caregiver burden. The direct effect of neuropsychiatric symptoms on caregiver burden was fully mediated by perceived stress and depressive symptoms (r = 0.13, p = 0.177), rendering an increase of 46% of variance in caregiver burden by this parallel mediation model. The significant indirect effect of neuropsychiatric symptoms by these two mediators was (r = 0.21, p = 0.001). Conclusion Caregiver burden is associated with patients’ neuropsychiatric symptoms indirectly through the caregiver’s depressive symptoms and perception of stress. Early detection and provision of appropriate interventions and skills to manage stress and depression could be useful in reducing and preventing caregiver burden.


2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett Williams ◽  
Mal Boyle ◽  
Tracy Earl

AbstractIntroductionParamedics rely on establishing a health provider-patient relationship with patients that promotes two-way communication, patient satisfaction, and facilitates appropriate patient assessment and treatment. Paramedics also must have an ability to empathize with patients and their family members in order to develop a successful health provider-patient relationship. The objective of this study was to assess paramedics’ empathy and attitudes toward patients with specific conditions.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of first-, second-, and third-year, Australian undergraduate paramedic students. Student empathy levels were assessed using two standardized self-reporting instruments: the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) Health Professional (HP) version and the Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS).ResultsA total of 94 paramedic students participated in the study. The JSPE demonstrated that male paramedic students had higher mean empathy scores than did female paramedic students (113.25 and 107.5, respectively; P = .042). The JSPE empathy level scores were lowest among first-year paramedic students (mean = 107.53); age was not found to be a significant variable on empathy scores. The Medical Condition Regard Scale revealed lowest scores in compassion towards substance abuse (mean = 46.42).ConclusionsThe results of this study provide the discipline of paramedic health care with useful data, and provide students, academics, and other educators with important information regarding the improvement of the health provider-patient relationship and paramedic education curriculum development.WilliamsB, BoyleM, EarlT. Measurement of empathy levels in undergraduate paramedic students. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-5.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 937-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Órpez-Zafra ◽  
Jose Pavía ◽  
Isaac Hurtado-Guerrero ◽  
Maria J Pinto-Medel ◽  
Jose Luis Rodriguez Bada ◽  
...  

Background: The soluble isoform of the interferon-β (IFN-β) receptor (sIFNAR2) could modulate the activity of both endogenous and systemically administered IFN-β. Previously, we described lower serum sIFNAR2 levels in untreated multiple sclerosis (MS) than in healthy controls (HCs). Objective: To assess sIFNAR2 levels in a new cohort of MS patients and HCs, as well as in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and with other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND) and to assess its ability as a diagnostic biomarker. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 148 MS (84 treatment naive and 64 treated), 87 CIS, 42 OIND, and 96 HCs. Longitudinal study included 94 MS pretreatment and after 1 year of therapy with IFN-β, glatiramer acetate (GA), or natalizumab. sIFNAR2 serum levels were measured by a quantitative ELISA developed and validated in our laboratory. Results: Naive MS and CIS patients showed significantly lower sIFNAR2 levels than HCs and OIND patients. The sensitivity and specificity to discriminate between MS and OIND, for a sIFNAR2 cutoff value of 122.02 ng/mL, were 70.1%, and 79.4%, respectively. sIFNAR2 increased significantly in IFN-β-treated patients during the first year of therapy in contrast to GA- and natalizumab-treated patients who showed non-significant changes. Conclusion: The results suggest that sIFNAR2 could be a potential diagnostic biomarker for MS.


2015 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-244
Author(s):  
Arlene de Maria Perez ◽  
Isabela Martins Benseñor

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The lifestyle of military personnel has been little studied in Brazil. This study evaluated the frequencies of tobacco and alcohol use, sexual behavior and mental health among military students.DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the Police Academy, in São Paulo.METHODS: Students answered a questionnaire about tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sexual behavior and common mental disorders (CMDs). To analyze associations among the frequencies of smoking and alcohol use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and CMDs during the undergraduate years, we built a multinomial logistic regression model adjusted for age and sex.RESULTS: All 473 students were invited to participate and 430 (90.9%) agreed (10.5% were women). Most were white (76.6%), aged < 30 years, from the upper middle class (78.1%). The frequency of smoking was 6.5%, alcohol consumption 69.3%, STDs 14% and CMDs 15.6%. The use of condoms was low. Fourth-year students presented a lower odds ratio (OR) for STDs than the first-year students: 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.90). Third-year students presented a lower OR for CMDs than the first-year students.CONCLUSION: The frequencies of smoking and CMDs were low, while the frequency of alcohol consumption was similar to that of the Brazilian population. The use of condoms was low, in comparison with previous studies with similar samples. The results suggest that there was a certain degree of protection against CMDs and STDs during the undergraduate years.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-175
Author(s):  
Gustavo Henrique de Oliveira Caldas ◽  
Sueli Luciano Pires ◽  
Milton Luiz Gorzoni

ABSTRACT Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) cause distress, disabilitiy and reduced quality of life for both the patient and their families Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of NPS as a specific stage of dementia status. Methods: A cross-sectional study in patients attending an outpatient clinic for dementia was performed. We applied the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 17 software. Results: The 124 subjects (mean age of 80.4±7.0 years), 88 women (70.9%) had average duration of dementia of 7.1±3.2 years, most common dementias of Alzheimer's disease (35.5%) and mixed (31.5%) and most prevalent NPS of apathy (75%) and irritability (66.9%). Correlation between apathy and a CDR 1 had a PR (prevalence ratio) = 0.289 and p<0.001 while between apathy and CDR 4-5 (PR=8.333, p<0.005). A similar result was found between aberrant motor behavior (AMB) and CDR 1 (PR=0.352, p<0.003) and between AMB and CDR4-5 (PR=2.929, p<0.006). Conclusion: Alzheimer's disease and mixed dementia were predominant, while apathy and AMB were detected in association with the progressive stages of dementia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (09) ◽  
pp. 1895-1901
Author(s):  
Ahmed Murtaz Khalid ◽  
Noman Sadiq ◽  
Aiman Farogh Anjum ◽  
Iffat Naiyar Hashmi ◽  
Misbah Aslam ◽  
...  

Objectives: To know the perception of peer-learning among first batch of 1st year medical students in CMH Kharian Medical College. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Setting: CMH Kharian Medical College. Period: June 2018 and September 2018. Material & Methods: Questionnaire was distributed among hundred first year medical students on self-reflection and feedback after 15 min power point presentation given by their fellow students based on different pathophysiological scenarios. Results: Out of 100 students, 85 filled out questionnaire form completely. 60% of students were of the opinion that peer-learning facilitated them to perform better in the exam, and can be continued for future batches. 50% of students agreed that this innovative learning modality was conducted in a systematic manner, helped them to improve their understanding of the subject and learning was fostered based on the principles of self-reflection and feedback. Problem solving ability was improved by peer learning format according to 49% of students, while 47% of students reported that this innovative learning strategy provided them with a tool to improve their learning through interaction, while research capabilities of 37% students were improved. Conclusion: Majority of first year medical students lacking senior guidance learned better in a comfortable environment from their peers, and improved understanding of the core subject by realizing the implication of the concept of self-reflection and feedback.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87
Author(s):  
Nuraini Nuraini ◽  
Amrina Rosyada

The number of people with rheumatism worldwide has reached 355 million, and this is estimated by 2025, suggesting that more than 25% will experience paralysis. This study aims to determine obesity and other factors related to the increased risk of rheumatic diseases in Indonesia, the method used was data analysis using a complex sample survey. It used 2014 IFLS data and a cross sectional study design, as well as a multistage random sampling with a total of 29,106 respondents, and the results showed that the prevalence of rheumatic disease in Indonesia was 5.2% in 2014. The most dominant and unmodifiable variable that influenced incidence was gender (PR=1.686; 95% CI=1.488-1.910). Meanwhile, obesity is the most dominant and modifying variable that influences the incidence of rheumatic disease (PR=1.630; 95% CI=1.433-1.855). Factors that are simultaneously related to the increased risk of rheumatic diseases include age, gender, education, physical activity, protein consumption, obesity, and accident history. Considering the results, patients need to eat healthy and low purine foods, as well as implementing other healthy lifestyles such as appropriate, adequate, and regular physical activities in order to reduce the risk of rheumatism.


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