Cannabis use among a sample of adult male Jordanian inmates: use, consequences and associated factors

ABSTRACT

Cannabis is considered the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide. Reports indicate an increase in its spread and use in developing countries such as Jordan. However, no studies report cannabis use in Jordan and its effects on the health of users. Therefore, the current study aims to assess the prevalence of cannabis ever use and the problematic consequences of cannabis use.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1,000 participants who were inmates in correctional facilities in Jordan. Data were collected using a self-report tool that included questions about participants’ demographics, cannabis use history, and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST).

Results

A 36% prevalence of cannabis ever use was reported, with 17.9% showing problematic consequences of cannabis use. Being a smoker and having a history of alcohol and other drugs ever use was significantly associated with demonstrated problematic consequences of cannabis use.

Conclusion

The current study reports the prevalence of cannabis ever use among a sample of Jordanian adults, problematic consequences, and smoking, alcohol, and other drug use as factors associated with cannabis use. Our findings indicate the need for health prevention programs to target youth and adults to emphasize the harmful effects of cannabis use.

KEYWORDS:

• Cannabis use
• Jordan
• addiction
• adults

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Public Security Directorate for their cooperation. Also we would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Research Assistants team (Osama Alzyoud, Khalid Alhwamdeh, Abdallah Khwaldeh, and Fatima Alzyoud).

Additional information

Funding

The current study was funded by Ministry of Higher Education – Scientific Research Support Fund [SRF] – Jordan study No.: [240/2010].