Cannabis is a commonly used drug among adolescents and young adults. However, there are both short-term and long-term risks associated with cannabis use. Some short-term risks include anxiety and increased risk of mental health disorders. Long-term risks are usually physical effects including coughing and severe mental health disorders. Many studies have indicated that those with mental health disorders are 2.7 times more likely to experience substance abuse. Personality factors, including psychopathy, depression, and feelings of inadequacy or tension are also associated with substance addiction. This study examines the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among engineering college students who report cannabis use.
The study’s sample consisted of 100 college students in the engineering department who reported cannabis use. Participants were selected through snowball sampling and those with a personal or family history of mental health disorder were excluded. Respondents were asked to report age, gender, level of education, place of residence, and status of their history of cannabis use. Students participated in an interview where cannabis abuse diagnoses were made using DSM-5 criteria. The Beck Anxiety Assessment Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Data was analyzed using t-test, ANOVA test, Fisher exact test, and Chi-square test.
Results of the data analysis showed that the prevalence of depression and anxiety was higher among this sample than globally reported statistics. 60% of participants reported some level of anxiety (32% mild, 19% moderate, and 9% severe). Additionally, 33% of respondents showed symptoms of depression (9% mild, 17% moderate, and 7% severe). Prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety was not significantly associated with age, gender, education level, and area of residence of participants.
Takeaway: Anxiety and depression disorders may be more frequent among college engineering students who report cannabis use than the general population.