Dataset Information

Cannabis use companions' gender and sexual orientation: Associations with problematic cannabis use in a sample of sexual minorities assigned female at birth.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sexual minority women (SMW) are at heightened risk for problematic cannabis use compared to heterosexual women. Social learning theory posits that characteristics of one's cannabis use companions influence problematic use. However, most research on cannabis use among sexual minorities has focused on minority stress and not social learning theory. As such, the current study tested whether characteristics of one's cannabis use companions (gender and sexual orientation) were associated with changes in problematic use among cisgender SMW and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth.

Methods

We utilized three waves of data (six-months between waves) from 321 cisgender SMW and sexual minority non-binary individuals assigned female at birth who participated in a larger study and reported using cannabis during at least one wave. We examined the prospective associations between using cannabis with five groups (SMW, sexual minority men, non-binary individuals, heterosexual women, and heterosexual men) and changes in problematic use six-months later. We also examined whether participant gender (cisgender woman vs. non-binary individual) moderated these associations.

Results

Among cisgender SMW and sexual minority non-binary individuals, using cannabis with SMW and non-binary individuals, but not with sexual minority men, heterosexual men, or women, was associated with increases in problematic use six-months later. Gender did not moderate any associations between using cannabis with any group and problematic use.

Conclusions

Consistent with social learning theory, using cannabis with similar others was associated with increases in problematic use among cisgender SMW and sexual minority non-binary individuals. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these effects.

SUBMITTER: Dyar C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8026648 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Cannabis use companions' gender and sexual orientation: Associations with problematic cannabis use in a sample of sexual minorities assigned female at birth.

Dyar Christina C Feinstein Brian A BA Newcomb Michael E ME Whitton Sarah W SW

Addictive behaviors 20210222

<h4>Background</h4>Sexual minority women (SMW) are at heightened risk for problematic cannabis use compared to heterosexual women. Social learning theory posits that characteristics of one's cannabis use companions influence problematic use. However, most research on cannabis use among sexual minorities has focused on minority stress and not social learning theory. As such, the current study tested whether characteristics of one's cannabis use companions (gender and sexual orientation) were asso ...[more]

PMID: 33652333

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Project description:ImportanceNonheterosexual and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals tend to report adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) more frequently compared with heterosexual and gender-conforming individuals, and individuals who have experienced ACEs, identify as nonheterosexual, or exhibit moderate to high levels of GNC are more prone to engaging in problematic smartphone use (PSU). However, there is limited school-based data among adolescents regarding this matter.ObjectivesTo explore the associations between ACEs and PSU among adolescents across different sexual orientation and gender expression groups.Design, setting, and participantsUsing data from the 2021 School-Based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey, this cross-sectional study includes participants from 288 public high schools across 8 provinces in China. Statistical analysis was performed from October 2023 to February 2024.ExposuresData on ACEs, sexual orientations, and gender expressions (high, moderate, and low GNC) were collected.Main outcomes and measuresPSU was assessed using the 10-item Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Weighted linear, logistic, or Poisson regression models were used.ResultsAmong the 85 064 adolescents included (mean [SD] age, 14.92 [1.77] years), 42 632 (50.1%) were female, 70 157 (83.2%) identified as Han Chinese, and 14 208 (16.8) identified as other ethnicities (Miao, Hui, Yi, Dai, and other ethnic groups). The prevalence of PSU among participants was 35.4%. Weighted Poisson regression models indicated that the interaction between GNC and ACE was significant (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99). Further stratified analysis demonstrated homosexual adolescents who experienced 4 or more ACEs showed a significantly increased prevalence of PSU (APR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.64-1.96). Similarly, a markedly higher prevalence of PSU was observed among bisexual individuals with 4 or more ACEs (APR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.41-1.80). Regarding gender expression categories, a significantly higher prevalence of PSU was noted among high GNC adolescents with 4 or more ACEs (APR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.60-1.98) compared with low GNC adolescents without ACEs. Furthermore, experiencing any 3 ACE categories (abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction) was associated with an increased prevalence of PSU across different sexual orientation and gender expression subgroups.Conclusions and relevanceIn this cross-sectional study, the amalgamation of elevated ACE scores with nonheterosexual orientations or GNC identities was significantly associated with increased PSU prevalence. These findings underscore that preventing ACEs may be beneficial in mitigating PSU among adolescents, particularly for nonheterosexual adolescents and those with high levels of GNC.

Dataset Information

Cannabis use companions' gender and sexual orientation: Associations with problematic cannabis use in a sample of sexual minorities assigned female at birth.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Cannabis use companions' gender and sexual orientation: Associations with problematic cannabis use in a sample of sexual minorities assigned female at birth.

Similar Datasets

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