Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Marijuana usage among Medical Students: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The increment in marijuana use across the world is concerning and needs to be addressed. There has been a cultural change regarding the perception and use of marijuana medicinally and recreationally, even among medical students. This needs to be studied to understand the outlook towards marijuana among young adults, including future doctors, to help improve their awareness of the risks and pitfalls of marijuana usage. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding marijuana usage among medical students. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional study recruited 159 medical undergraduate students from the tertiary healthcare institute, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India via an online, anonymised, semistructured, self-designed questionnaire that was circulated over social media. The duration of the study was from October 2023 to February 2024. The study population was grouped into first-year and final-year MBBS students to identify differences, if any, in knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding marijuana usage among students between the start and end of their MBBS training. The responses to questions were compared to establish any statistical significance. Results: Out of the total 159 participants, 106 (66.67%) were first-year MBBS students, and 53 (33.33%) were final-year MBBS students. Most students from both groups reported that marijuana was illegal in India. Both groups responded affirmatively to questions regarding their awareness of the effects of marijuana and whether it could be used as a medical therapeutic drug. The majority of students, 81 (76.42%) and 32 (60.38%), respectively in both groups, agreed with the statement that marijuana impairs concentration and movement. A total of 88 (83.02%) and 41 (77.36%) participants, respectively, were largely in favour of legalising marijuana, with a greater proportion of respondents from both groups opining that marijuana should be legalised, be it for medical therapeutic use or as a recreational drug. Conclusion: Study results showed that the majority of students from both groups responded positively to the question about the legalisation of marijuana in India. Some interesting differences were found between the two groups with respect to marijuana use and the perceptions about its positive or negative effects. It is essential to educate medical students, as future physicians, on the adverse effects and implications of marijuana use.

Keywords

• awareness
• legalisation
• medical cannabinoids