Study on Marijuana Abuse among Male Nepalese College Students in Bangalore

Abstract

Over the past few years, the topic of marijuana is featured in the media. Students have an ambiguous information on the medical benefits and the torment of marijuana use. Students under minimum supervision from their guardians are among high risk groups of its abuse. The abuse of marijuana among students is associated with the cognitive impairment, adverse academic performance and the low-level satisfaction of life.
 Aims: To find out the prevalence of marijuana abuse among college students staying away from their parents.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: 10 colleges from 5 wards of BBMP between February 2014 to February 2015.
 Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey (n=250). Qualitative (interview) and quantitative (structured questionnaire) were used to collect the data about the current use of marijuana, smoking habit, perceived effect and source of supply among Nepalese students studying in Bangalore. The Current user is defined according to the CDC guideline (An adult who has smoked 100 times in his lifetime and who currently smokes marijuana.
 Findings: The current prevalence of marijuana abuse among male Nepalese students in Bangalore is 36%. At least one-time usage of marijuana is 51%. Among current users, 38% are using marijuana daily. Similarly, 37% of the participants reported that local friends are the source of supply for them and 32% reported that they get marijuana from college friends. Among current users, about 58% of the users said that they don’t want to quit using marijuana.
 Conclusion: It is evident from the study that marijuana use is widespread amongst Nepalese students in Bangalore. The parents whose children are away from home town should maintain a very close relationship with them, their academic supervisors, and their friends. A significant number of current users (41%) wish to quit the addiction of marijuana use, this demand an immediate need for the mental health counselor in the colleges in Bangalore.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Expectancies Related to Cannabis Use: A Cross-sectional Community Study Among College Students from Bangalore, Karnataka

“…14,22,23 Prior authors from India also have suggested that legalization can help curb young people from using unknown products. 6 However, research has documented the increasing use of cannabis among young people following legalization, with associated high-risk behaviors. 3,4 There is also growing evidence of the significant negative impact of cannabis use on the education and career of young people through impairment of executive functions.…”

“… 8 , 9 , 20 Prior authors from overseas and India have also highlighted the role of social motives, peer influence, and lack of adequate supervision, which can fuel cannabis use for various reasons. 6 , 21 Furthermore, such positive attitudes or expectancies can place individuals at a higher risk for use. This was also reflected in the present study, where cannabis users had significantly more favorable attitudes toward cannabis use and had more positive expectancies from use.…”

“…In India, cannabis (known in the vernacular as ganja or bhang) holds cultural significance because of its use during festivals and rituals. Cannabis use rates ranging from 6.8% to 36% have been reported among college students in India, 5 , 6 with poor academic performance, school drop-out, and cognitive impairment noted among users. 7 , 8 On the other hand, previous authors from India have documented an increasing trend to focus on the benefits of cannabis, which can decrease the risk perception about cannabis use among college students.…”

“…Prior studies among college students in India have reported decreased perceived risk or ambivalence about harm from cannabis use. 6 , 9 As in overseas studies, students have reported positive expectations from use, such as relaxation, stress relief, and the ability to work responsibly. 6 , 8 , 9 At the urban community health service run by the present authors, young students regularly ask “Cannabis is legalized in other countries; is it beneficial to health?…”

“… 6 , 9 As in overseas studies, students have reported positive expectations from use, such as relaxation, stress relief, and the ability to work responsibly. 6 , 8 , 9 At the urban community health service run by the present authors, young students regularly ask “Cannabis is legalized in other countries; is it beneficial to health? Is cannabis use legal in India?” “Can we use cannabis instead of tobacco, as tobacco is harmful, whereas cannabis is safe and helps to concentrate,” “Does cannabis relieve pain?” etc.…”