TY - JOUR PY - 2021// TI - Knowledge and attitudes of adolescents to marijuana: an international prospective study JO - Children and youth services review A1 - Jacobs, Geoffrey P. A1 - Golshan, Taylor A1 - Lande, Sarah A1 - Nickfardjam, Kaitlyn A1 - Roitblat, Yulia A1 - Morgan, Antony A1 - Mayo, Tatum A1 - Mametov, Kadri A1 - Nehuliaieva, Liliia A1 - Shterenshis, Michael SP - e106306 EP - e106306 VL - 131 IS - N2 - PURPOSE The present comparative study assessed the familiarity of adolescents with marijuana. We undertook a study in different countries to investigate the extent of their acquaintance with marijuana, their opinions about it, and their specific knowledge of its consequences. Methods The study was undertaken in Australia, Israel, Russia, Ukraine and the United States among 2000 high school students. In a three-part questionnaire, the first part was designed to assess the extent of contact with marijuana products, the second part to assess any fallacies as well as opinions about marijuana, while part three was to investigate participants' real know-how on the subject matter. Results Part 1- The average score of 4.14 out of a maximum of 5, indicates that most of the participants had frequent contact with marijuana smokers. Part 2 - A score of 2.66 shows that adolescents are equally divided regarding correct and incorrect opinions on this issue. While Part 3 was completed by about 80% (1612) of participating adolescents, about 20% (388) admitted not being knowledgeable about marijuana. The average score of 2.78 for those completing Part 3 demonstrates only partial knowledge about marijuana, especially in adolescents from Russia (2.2). An average score of 2.24 was computed for the whole cohort of 2000 participants. There were no significant sex differences. Conclusion While the acquaintance of adolescents with marijuana users is quite widespread, knowledge is only fragmentary. Marijuana risk campaigns and various school-based programs require further modifications and enhancements.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0190-7409 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106306 ID - ref1 ER -