Journal Information
Vol. 21. Issue 3.
Pages 252-260 (May - June 2007)
Vol. 21. Issue 3.
Pages 252-260 (May - June 2007)
Revisión
Open Access
Factors associated with the onset of cannabis use: a systematic review of cohort studies
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Mònica Guxensaa,b, Manel Nebota,
Corresponding author
mnebot@aspb.es

Correspondence: Dr. Manel Nebot. Servei d’Avaluació i Mètodes d’Intervenció. Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona. Pl. Lesseps, 1. 08015 Bacelona. España.
, Carles Arizaa, Darío Ochoaa,b
a Servei d’Avaluació i Mètodes d’Intervenció, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, España
b Unitat Docent de Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública IMAS-UPF-ASPB, Barcelona, España
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Article information
Abstract
Objective

To determine the factors associated with the onset of cannabis use through a systematic review of cohort studies.

Methods

An internet-based search was performed using several keywords and their combinations. Original studies with longitudinal design and the onset of cannabis use as dependent variable, as well as review studies were included, published between January 1980 and May 2004. Methodology quality of the studies was assessed independently by two reviewers, according to pre-established criteria, in order to classify studies in high, mid or low quality. Agreement between reviewers was assessed through kappa coefficient.

Results

A total of 32 relevant studies were identified, of which 13 were of higher quality. Selection bias for the inclusion of consumers at the baseline measurement and lack or insufficient adjustment for confounders were the causes of exclusion. The factors of great evidence related to the onset of cannabis use were masculine sex, consumption of tobacco or alcohol, having a problematic relationship with parents, and cannabis consumption by friends.

Conclusion

Results highlight the importance of different individual, family and environmental factors on the onset of cannabis use. These must be considered to properly arrange intervention programs focusing on primary prevention among teenagers.

Keywords:
Cannabis
Systematic review
Longitudinal studies
Resumen
Objetivo

Determinar los factores asociados al inicio del consumo de cannabis a partir de una revisión sistemática de estudios de cohortes.

Métodos

Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica informatizada utilizando diversas palabras clave y sus combinaciones. Entre los estudios identificados se seleccionaron los estudios originales de diseño longitudinal que utilizaran como variable dependiente el inicio de consumo de cannabis, así como los estudios de revisión, publicados entre enero de 1980 y mayo de 2004. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica de los estudios mediante 2 revisores, de manera independiente y a partir de unos criterios prestablecidos, clasificando los artículos en 3 categorías: alta, intermedia o baja calidad. Se midió el nivel de concordancia de los revisores a partir del coeficiente kappa.

Resultados

Se identificaron 32 estudios que cumplían los criterios de selección, de los cuales 13 fueron determinados de alta calidad. Las causas de exclusión fueron el sesgo de selección, por la inclusión de consumidores al inicio de la cohorte estudiada, y la falta de ajuste por los potenciales confusores. Los factores que se relacionaron con una mayor evidencia con el inicio del consumo de cannabis fueron el sexo masculino, el consumo de tabaco y alcohol, tener una relación problemática con los padres y el consumo de cannabis por parte de los amigos.

Conclusiones

Los resultados señalan la importancia de diversos factores individuales, familiares y del entorno en el inicio del consumo de cannabis, que deberían considerarse de forma conjunta en el abordaje preventivo entre los adolescentes.

Palabras clave:
Cannabis
Revisión sistemática
Estudios longitudinales
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