An exploratory study of clinical profile, stigma and pathways to care among primary cannabis use disorder patients in India

ABSTRACT

Background

Cannabis use is highly prevalent globally, yet little is known about primary cannabis use disorder patients, especially in India. The present study’s objective was to assess clinical profile, internalized stigma, and pathways to care among this population in India.

Methods

A total of thirty patients with cannabis use disorder were recruited over a nine-month period using an exploratory cross-sectional design. Assessments were undertaken using a semi-structured proforma, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) – Hindi version, and WHO – Mental Health Encounter Form. Data was analyzed using SPSS V20.0.

Results

All participants were males, with a mean age of 24.57 (7.76) years. Marijuana (ganja) was the commonest form of cannabis consumed (n = 26; 86.7%). The mean duration of cannabis use and dependence was 5.03 (3.69) and 3.98 (3.22) years. The most common reason for seeking treatment was family pressure (n = 21; 70%). The mean score of ISMI-Hindi was 2.66 (0.55), suggesting moderate internalized stigma. Most participants’ first treatment contact was a psychiatrist at a tertiary care de-addiction center (n = 29; 96.7%).

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for interventions to reduce stigma in patients with cannabis use disorder patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Cannabis
• stigma
• pathways to care
• people who use drugs
• India

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.