Cannabis use : social risk factors and knowledge of health risks in a sample of adolescents.
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Date
1997
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Abstract
A study was conducted at a Durban high school which has a mixture of socioeconomic
classes and races. All grade 10 pupils present on the day of the study were asked to
complete a questionnaire under examination-like conditions. The aim was to determine the
prevalence of dagga smoking as well as the pupils' knowledge of the effects and health
risks of dagga smoking and the prevalence of associated features such as alcohol use,
cigarette smoking and sexual activity. Dagga smoking was found to occur commonly (22.9%) and to be mainly a white male
group activity. There was a strong association with cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse
and a general lack of knowledge concerning the adverse health effects of dagga smoking.
Peer pressure and relief of stress were cited as the commonest reasons for dagga smoking.
More information and life skills training is required for this group of students as well as
further research into substance abuse related topics in general.
Description
Thesis (M.Med.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1997.
Keywords
Cannabis--Toxicology., Cannabis--Physiological effect., Social indicators., Theses--Family medicine., Teenagers--Drug use.