Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Issues Of Substance Use Among Special Populations, Victoria Churchill

Public Health Dissertations

Reducing the burden of tobacco and drug use in the United States (U.S.) is a public health priority. Certain populations are at higher risk of harms associated with tobacco and cannabis use, including youth and people with mental health issues. For tobacco, adults with symptoms of serious psychological distress (SPD) smoke at higher rates than those without SPD. Youth who use tobacco have a greater lifetime risk of serious disease, such as lung cancer compared to youth who do not initiate tobacco use. Some research has shown that cannabis use is associated with risk to youth, including changes in neurodevelopment. …

Cannabis And Driving Ability, Eric L. Sevigny

CJC Publications

The aim of this review is to discuss recent evidence on cannabis and driving ability. In particular, the review examines experimental research on the acute effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on driving-related neurobehavioral skills and driving performance based on simulator and road course studies. The evidence indicates that certain driving abilities are significantly, albeit modestly, impaired in individuals experiencing the acute effects of THC. Treatment effects are moderated by dose, delivery method, recency of use, and tolerance development, with inconclusive evidence concerning the moderating influence of cannabidiol (CBD). Emerging research priorities include linking neurobehavioral deficits to specific decrements in driving performance, …

A Resource Guide On The Epidemiology, Prevention, And Treatment Of Opioid And Other Substance Use., Anthony F. Rotoloni

Public Health Capstone Projects

In the wake of the opioid epidemic, there is a need to provide sound educational materials that provide succinct and consolidated information on substance use and their disorders. Substance abuse is a public health epidemic and rates of substance abuse in the United States has been growing substantially. Childhood trauma has been shown to be a predictor of engagement in risky behaviors, like substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors later in life. The rates of HIV/STDs have been increasing alongside increases in substance use. Substance use has been found to raise the risk of a person engaging in risky sexual …

The Connection Between Marijuana, Cigarette Smoking And Metabolic Syndrome Among Adults In The United States, Barbara Yankey

Public Health Dissertations

Background: Alcohol, marijuana and tobacco are the most common recreationally used substances in United States (US). However, unlike alcohol and tobacco, marijuana is an illicit substance. The increasing support for reclassification of marijuana as legal substance necessitates investigating its effect on health. These studies seek to examine the relationship of marijuana and tobacco with metabolic syndrome (a precursor of cardiovascular diseases - the primary cause of morbidities and mortalities).

Method: Data from 2011 public-use linked mortality file of the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 2005-2006 & 2011-2012 US National Health and Nutrition Examination …

Early Onset Marijuana Use And Adult Mental Health, Christine Murphy Andrews

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: The impact of marijuana use has become a national topic with the increase in state’s legalizing or decriminalizing the use of the drug. To understand the impact this new trend may have on the population, it is necessary to characterize the interaction between marijuana use and health outcomes. Previous research has focused on the acute effects of marijuana on mental health and longitudinal impacts of marijuana use in the adolescent population. However there are no previously published studies on the impact of early onset marijuana use on adult mental health.

AIM: This study aims to determine the prevalence of …

Investigating The Health Profile And Quality Of Life Of Adult Marijuana Users In The United States: Analysis Of Self-Reported Nhanes 2007-2010 Data, Crystal A. Lane

Public Health Theses

Background: Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in the United States. Public approval of marijuana has driven its legalization in twenty states and the District of Columbia for medical use; and, this year alone (2013), two states have legalized recreational use of the drug. Despite the nation’s growing trend towards marijuana acceptance, the evidence regarding the health effects of its use remains vague. This study was designed to evaluate the health profile of marijuana users by determining the association of marijuana use with quality of life, defined in terms of perceived overall health and as self-reported medical conditions. …