Studying Relationships Tetrahydrocannabinol Consumption and Psychosocial Variables in a Campus: Potential Contributions to Policy Design. Why the Exponential Increase in Psychotropics?

Abstract

Background: For public health fields, it is fundamental to understand the exponential the reasons behind the consumption increase in 9-Delta-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other psychotropics. Estimate relationships between THC consumption and psychosocial variables (PSVs) among students and professors at a Colombian university.Methods: This observational descriptive cross-sectional study was developed between 2016 and 2018 with a total of 160 university students and 60 professors from a Colombian public university of one pharmaceutical chemistry program. Using an instrument based on the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) survey designed by Kovacs (1977), participants were surveyed directly, voluntarily, and anonymously about marijuana use and different psychosocial variables of everyday life. Correlation of variables was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24, 2016. In each variable, risk factors were analysed using "Chi-square" and "Odds Ratio". Results: The findings show a significant relationship between THC consumption and PSVs in the students or the professors (S/P) group (59.8%): first time THC consumption (83%), low self-esteem (66.7%), decrease/loss of executive function (55.6%), no family support (55.6%), and no family communication (72.2%). These groups presented a relationship between risk and consumption of THC, which induces to neuro-psychosocial disorders.Conclusion: THC consumption and PSVs are prevalent in the S/P group, thus inducing a neuro-cognitive disorder. Although consumption increases exponentially at an alarmingly early age and national regulations are poor, there exists an unpredictable multidimensional impact., more scientific research is needed with a serious focus, political will, and integrative intersectorial educational interventions. Also, there is little knowledge on the potential effects of Δ9-THC in university student and professor populations. The Δ9-THC cannabinoids may have therapeutic and adverse effects, which bears interest for public health.