Medical cannabis attitudes, beliefs and knowledge among Greek-Cypriot University nursing students

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to explore the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of nursing students about medical cannabis use in Cyprus. Special focus was given on gender differences and the year of studentship. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with internal comparisons was performed on undergraduate nursing students in Cyprus. Pearson chi-square test for group differences was employed. A total of 252 questionnaires were anonymously and voluntarily completed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were assessed. Results: 21 % male and 79 % female were included in the sample (response rate 62.7 %). Third year student participants reported more frequent use of cannabis for all reasons - for themselves, friends and family (p < 0.05). Furthermore, they reported more positive statements on the effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating medical conditions (p < 0.05). Moreover, female students reported more frequently the necessity of incorporating medical cannabis training into academic curricula (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Given the reported lack of knowledge, enrichment of nursing curricula with medical cannabis related courses and lectures, both theoretical and clinical/ laboratory, are proposed. The associations of attitudes with gender and years of studentship point to the need of taking these factors into consideration for relevant education and training.

Keywords

• Medical cannabis
• Nursing students
• Nursing beliefs and attitudes
• Nursing education