PEER ASSOCIATION AND PERCEPTION OF HARMS AND BENEFITS ASSOCIATED MARIJUANA USE AMONG JAMAICAN ADOLESCENTS

Marya Hynes,Jason Wynter

doi:10.1590/1980-265x-tce-cicad-18-7

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to examine the relationship between peer association and perception of harms and benefits associated marijuana use among Jamaican adolescents. Method: the purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between peer association and perception of harms and benefits associated with marijuana use among 300 Jamaican adolescents in grades 10 and 11. Results: lifetime prevalence for marijuana use was higher for total males 34% compared to total females 26%. Overall lifetime prevalence roused by 4% in the move from grade 10 or form 4 to grade 11 or fifth form. Data reveal the mean age for first use at age 12 years. Data also revealed that males were more likely to have friends who use marijuana than their female counterpart. Conclusion: there was a significant difference in opinion relating to perception of harms of marijuana use and peer association, which was evidenced with a weak correlation of .29. Also, there was a significant difference in benefits of marijuana use by peer association, with a moderate correlation of .31.

Highlights

Substance abuse cases in schools are prevalent.[1]
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) posited that as adolescents become more socialized in peer networks, especially during high school years, they are likely to become exposed to greater availability of drugs, drug abusers, and social activities involving psychoactive substances
Peer use of a substance predicted adolescent use of the same substance, in some instances peer use was associated with adolescent use across substances. Consistent with these findings found peer substance use to be the most consistent predictor of adolescent substance, predicting adolescent alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use.[10]

Summary

Introduction

Substance abuse cases in schools are prevalent.[1]. This issue affects students of various races, ethnicities, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. Substance use and abuse among students is purported to include peer pressure and low self-esteem, in order to be accepted within a group, to experience “getting high”, to look “cool”, and to express autonomy.[2] The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) posited that as adolescents become more socialized in peer networks, especially during high school years, they are likely to become exposed to greater availability of drugs, drug abusers, and social activities involving psychoactive substances. One such substance is that of marijuana. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between peer association and perception of harms and benefits associated marijuana use among Jamaican adolescents

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion