NCJ Number
210449
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 40 Issue: 6 Dated: 2005 Pages: 845-855
Date Published
2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Based on data from the 1997 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS)--a cross-sectional probability survey of Ontario students in grades 7, 9, 11, and 13--this study examined the influence of individual and cumulative school and family factors on the probability of any cannabis use as well as the progression to problem use.
Abstract
Since only a random half of the OSDUS sample was asked questions pertinent to this study's objectives, the sample size was reduced to 1,980. The dependent variable, cannabis use, was based on frequency of past-year use, quantity consumed, and self-reported problems with use. The demographic variables of age, gender, and family finances were included as independent demographic variables that might influence cannabis use. Other independent variables reflected difficulties in family and school environments. The findings suggest that a disrupted family structure increased the likelihood of cannabis use in general. Patterns of problem use were evident among youth who were experiencing problems in school and problematic family relationships. Those who were experiencing multiple school and family factors were significantly more likely to use cannabis and progress to problem use. Older students were more likely to use cannabis than younger students, but age was not a factor in the progression to problem use. Although gender did not significantly increase the probability of cannabis use, for those already using cannabis, the likelihood of progressing to problem use was significantly greater for males. These findings have implications for the targeting of intervention initiatives. 4 tables and 35 references