MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Date
2018-09-18
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders and substance use contribute significantly to the burden of disease worldwide. These two conditions are relatively common among adolescents and young adults. Mental health disorders and substance use problems are closely linked, and both conditions can share similar biological, psychological, and social components. The co-occurrence of these two conditions presents complex challenges in their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. If left untreated, these conditions may result in loss of productivity, poor educational outcomes, inefficient use of limited healthcare resources, and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine and quantify the association and directionality between mental health disorders and substance use among adolescents and/or young adults. Following this, the prevalence and association between mental health disorders and substance use among students attending Canadian post-secondary institutions was determined analyzing the American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment II - Canadian Reference Group survey, spring 2016.
Results: Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed a significant association between depression and use of alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco. Significant associations were found between anxiety and use of alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco. A bidirectional relationship was observed with tobacco use at baseline leading to depression at follow-up and depression at baseline leading to tobacco use at follow-up. A unidirectional relationship was observed with cannabis use leading to depression. Our secondary data analysis showed that the odds of having depression were greater for current and former tobacco users. Current cannabis users with or without other mental health disorders were more likely to have depression. Also, former cannabis users without other mental health disorders were more likely to have depression. The odds of having anxiety were greater for current and former female alcohol users.
Conclusion: The findings and recommendations of this thesis can be used to assist healthcare professionals, health promoters, and policymakers when dealing with mental health disorders and substance use. By affecting change at the personal, interpersonal, and societal levels, we can assist adolescents and young adults to make better choices, seek supports as needed, and live healthier and well-adjusted lives.
Description
Keywords
Depression, anxiety, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, adolescents, young adults, students
Citation
Degree
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Department
School of Public Health
Program
Public Health