Marijuana Use Among Young Adults (18-44 Years of Age) and Risk of Stroke: A Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Analysis

Current marijuana use among women of reproductive age

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of current (past 30 days) marijuana use and its associations with demographic, other substance use, chronic disease, physical health and mental health measures among women of reproductive age (18-44 years) in 12 US states.

METHODS

This analysis used 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 16,556 women of reproductive age in 12 US states. Women self-reported current marijuana use and covariates. Weighted χ² statistics and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated accounting for the complex survey design.

RESULTS

Among women of reproductive age, 9.9 % reported current marijuana use. Current cigarette use (aPR: 2.0, 95 % CI: 1.6, 2.6), current e-cigarette use (aPR: 1.9, 95 % CI: 1.4, 2.6), binge drinking (aPR: 2.6, 95 % CI: 1.9, 3.6), ever having received a depression diagnosis (aPR: 1.6, 95 % CI: 1.2, 2.1), and ≥14 days of poor mental health in the past 30 days (aPR: 1.8, 95 % CI: 1.3, 2.4) were all associated with higher adjusted prevalence of current marijuana use. Reporting ≥14 days of poor physical health within the last 30 was associated with a 40 % lower adjusted prevalence of current marijuana use (aPR: 0.6, 95 % CI: 0.4, 0.8).

CONCLUSION

Current marijuana use among women of reproductive age was associated with other substance use, poor mental health, and depression. As state laws concerning marijuana use continue to change, it is important to monitor usage patterns and to assess associated health risks in this population.

Variation in Knowledge of Stroke Warning Signs by Age and Presence of Conventional Risk Factors: A Community Health Survey in Korea

BACKGROUND

It is important to recognize stroke in the general public.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting knowledge of stroke warning signs (SWSs) according to age group in the Korean population.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional study. Using data from the Korean Community Health Survey conducted in Korea in 2017, 198 403 subjects were analyzed. Knowledge about SWSs was assessed by face-to-face interviews using structured close-ended questionnaires with 5 items about stroke symptoms (sudden unilateral weakness of face, arm or leg; sudden difficulty in speaking, or trouble understanding speech; sudden visual impairment in 1 eye, or double vision; sudden dizziness or loss of balance; and sudden severe headache).

RESULTS

The overall percentage of subjects with good knowledge of SWSs (>4 correct answers to the SWS questionnaire) was 66.5%. It was highest in the middle-aged subjects (72.6%), followed by the young subjects (63.5%) and the older subjects (61.5%). The youngest of the young subjects and the oldest of the older subjects had the least knowledge. Subjects with conventional risk factors generally had more knowledge about SWSs, except for those with diabetes mellitus. However, in the young subjects, knowledge about SWSs was not increased by the presence of conventional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia.

CONCLUSION

Stoke risk factors are increasing among young people; they still have poor knowledge about SWSs. More education is needed to increase appropriate treatment, especially in young people with stroke-related risk factors.