Prevalence and correlates of non-daily and daily cannabis use among persons 15 years and older in South Africa: Results of a national survey in 2017

Abstract

BackgroundThe study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of non-daily and daily cannabis use among persons 15 years and older in South Africa.MethodIn a national cross-sectional 2017 survey, 39,207 persons 15 years and older (Median = 34 years) responded to a questionnaire on substance use and health variables. Multinominal logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of nondaily and daily cannabis use and logistic regression for the determinants of daily cannabis use among active cannabis users.ResultsResults indicate that 5.0% of the participants engaged in non-daily and 2.8% in daily cannabis use in the past 3 months. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, male sex, having Grade 8–11 education, Coloureds, alcohol use disorder, living with husband or wife, not living with a partner, and other drug use were positively and students were negatively associated with daily cannabis use. Male sex, younger age, living alone or single, living with a partner, alcohol use disorder, and other drug use were positively and multimorbidity was negatively associated with nondaily cannabis use. Compared to nondaily cannabis users, male sex had higher odds and students and other drug use had lower odds of daily cannabis use.ConclusionAbout one in ten participants engaged past 3-month cannabis use, and several sociodemographic and health indicators were identified associated with non-daily and daily cannabis use.

Prevalence and correlates of hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use and drug use amongst persons 15 years and older in South Africa: Results of a national survey in 2017

“…Reasons for the overall slight increase of HHDA and increase in any drug use in South Africa from 2008 or 2012 to 2017 need further research. 25 In agreement with previous studies, 6,7,8,14,26,27 this study found that male sex increased the odds and older age decreased the odds of HHDA and drug use. Sex-specific role expectations and norms, such as associating drinking alcohol and drug use with masculinity, may be related to the male preponderance of HHDA and drug use.…”

“…Reasons for the overall slight increase of HHDA and increase in any drug use in South Africa from 2008 or 2012 to 2017 need further research. 25 …”