Use and perceptions of opioids versus marijuana among medical populations: Perspectives from people living with HIV and cancer survivors Pubblico

Potts, Jessica (Spring 2018)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/j96021833?locale=it
Published

Abstract

Public health concerns regarding opioids and marijuana have implications for their medical use. This study examined motives for use and perceived barriers in relation to opioid and marijuana use and interest in use among US adult survey participants living with HIV (PLWH, n=304) or who are cancer survivors (n=194) recruited via social media in Summer 2018. Participants were an average 34.29 years old, 51.6% male, and 58.4% White. Overall, 25.7% (16.1% of PLWH, 40.9% of cancer survivors) reported current (past 30-day) use of opioids, 27.5% (PLWH: 18.1%; cancer survivors: 42.5%) reported current (past 30-day) use of marijuana, and 25.1% (PLWH: 16.1%; cancer survivors: 39.7%) reported current (past 30-day) use of both analgesics. The most common motives for use for either/both drugs were to cope with pain and stress/anxiety (>50%). Highest-rated barriers to using either or both drugs were missing symptoms of worsening illness and concerns about addiction. Per multivariable regression, current opioid use was correlated with greater motives for use (OR=2.32) and being older, female, Black, and higher income (Nagelkerke R-square=.627). Among opioid nonusers, greater interest in use was correlated with greater motives for use (B=0.42), greater barriers (B=0.02), history of cancer, and being female, married/cohabitating, and lower income (Adjusted R-square=.698). Current marijuana use was correlated with greater motives for use (OR=1.62), greater barriers (OR=1.18), history of cancer, and being older and White (Nagelkerke R-square=.702). Among marijuana nonusers, greater interest in use was correlated with greater motives for use (B=0.64), fewer barriers (B=-0.03), history of cancer, and being female, unmarried, and lower income (Adjusted R-square=.802). While motives for use and barriers for both drugs were similar, these constructs were differentially associated with use and interest in use across drugs. 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

6

Chapter 1 – Introduction

7

Problem Definition

7

Opioids and Medical Marijuana

7

Patient Populations: Cancer Survivors and People Living with HIV

9

Managing Symptoms  

10

Interest and Information Sources Regarding Pharmacotherapy for Symptom Management

10

Justification and Goals of Research

11

Conceptual Framework

13

Study Aims

14

Research Questions

14

Chapter 2 – Literature Review

15

Brief Introduction of the Literature

15

Opioids and Medical Marijuana

16

Controversy Regarding Opioids and Medical Marijuana

18

Patient Populations: Cancer Survivors and People Living with HIV

19

Managing Symptoms Related to HIV and Cancer

20

Pain

20

Fatigue

21

Mental Health

21

Interest and Information Sources Regarding Pharmacology for Symptom Management

22

Conceptual Framework

23

Health Belief Model

24

Information Seeking Model

24

Chapter 3 – Student Contribution

26

Chapter 4 – Journal Article

27

Introduction

27

Methods

32

Results

37

Discussion

42

Chapter 5 – Public Health Implications

55

Implications for Research

55

Information Sources and Information Seeking Behaviors

55

Recommendations

56

Implications for Practice

57

Patient Provider Relationships and Communication

57

Recommendations

58

Conclusions

59

References

60

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