Attitudes and knowledge about medical cannabis among Israeli and American nursing students.

Although medical cannabis regulations are emerging in many places around the world, a contentious conundrum remains within the medical establishment regarding the appropriate part that cannabis may have in the provision of health care. Nurses have an indispensable role in the care management of patients, and given the consideration of cannabis as a possible treatment, they are warranted to be aware of its medical properties, as well as to be able to adequately answer patient queries. Nevertheless, very little is currently known about nurses' perceptions related to medical cannabis. To assess attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about medical cannabis among nursing students. Cross-sectional study in two universities: Rutgers University (RU) in New Jersey and Ben Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel. In addition to demographic data, the survey instrument included questions about attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and training. Overall, 387 students participated, mainly females (87.8%). The vast majority from both sub-groups stated they would recommend cannabis to their patients if allowed to do so (91.2%), and were in agreement that medical cannabis is associated with significant benefits for physical (93.5%) and mental (87.8%) health. Compared to the BGU sub-group, more students from RU stated that they feel prepared to answer patient questions about medical cannabis (19.5% vs. 33.5%, respectively; χ2 = 9.74, p < 0.01). While the majority of respondents stated they have not received any formal education related to medical cannabis, they expressed endorsement for such training and education. In light of the expanding number of patients who use medical cannabis, this study highlights the importance of incorporating medical cannabis education for nurses in academic and clinical curricula.

Zolotov Y ，Grinstein Cohen O ，Findley PA ，Reznik A ，Isralowitz R ，Willard S ... -  《-》

Toward medical cannabis education in Israel.

To assess knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding medical cannabis among Israeli medical, nursing, social work and other health related students as well as to outline the formation of an instrument for standardized data collection on these topics. An invitation to participate with a link for the online survey was sent to all students pursuing a degree in medicine, nursing, social work, and other health disciplines in the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. The instrument included 32 items that measured knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding medical cannabis. In addition, demographic data were collected and participants were asked about the frequency of medical or recreational cannabis use. Among the 763 participants, 596 were females (78 %), and the mean age was 25.8 years. While the reported personal use of medical cannabis was minimal (1.9 %), cannabis use for recreational purposes was relatively common (54.0 %). The vast majority believed that medical cannabis holds significant health benefits but expressed concerns regarding potential risks of cannabis use. Additionally, the vast majority of students felt unprepared to answer patients' questions about medical cannabis and expressed a desire to receive more training. Several significant differences between the different academic disciplines were observed. In light of current regulatory and scientific developments, it is apparent that students of health professions will need a greater level of understanding of medical cannabis than previous generations of students. This study emphasizes the ample need for more knowledge and formal education to students of health and related professions.

Isralowitz R ，Reznik A ，Zolotov Y ，Grinstein-Cohen O ，Wacht O ，Pruginin I ，Yehudai M ，Edelstein O ... -  《-》

Does religiosity matter? University student attitudes and beliefs toward medical cannabis.

To assess the relationship between religiosity and medical cannabis (MC) knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among university medical and allied health (i.e., nursing and social work) students. This study uses data collected from 540 Israeli male and female, Jewish and Bedouin-Arab, religious and secular students. Pearson's chi-squared and Fisher exact tests for categorical variables were used to determine the relationship. Religious, compared to secular, students reported less personal cannabis use and contact with others who use the substance. Regarding attitudes and beliefs, religious students were more likely to believe cannabis use poses serious physical and mental health risks and were less likely to recommend it for patient treatment. The majority of all students, religious and secular, believed cannabis can be addictive; are not prepared to answer patient/client MC questions; and, have not received formal education about MC. Religiosity was not found related to student knowledge about cannabis and its use for medical conditions. This study is the first in Israel to examine the relationship between religiosity and student MC knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Results evidence the relationship that should be used for curriculum development, education and field practice purposes linked to patient care.

Edelstein OE ，Wacht O ，Grinstein-Cohen O ，Reznik A ，Pruginin I ，Isralowitz R ... -  《-》

Attitudes, beliefs and knowledge towards Medical Cannabis of Greek undergraduate and postgraduate university nursing students.

To assess attitudes, beliefs and knowledge towards medical cannabis (MC) among Greek nursing students by year of study and undergraduate/postgraduate status. 294 (229 undergraduate and 65 postgraduate) students participated in this survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson's chi-squared, t-test) were applied using SPSS.24 (p ≤ 0.05). Participant mean age (SD) was 23.1(6.6) years and 80.0 % of the study cohort was female. Senior undergraduate participants (3rd/4th year of study) reported more positive attitudes about MC benefits for mental health treatment compared to junior participants (1st/2nd year) (p = 0.017). Junior participants were more inclined to believe there are serious physical health risks associated with cannabis use (p = 0.038). Undergraduates, more than postgraduates, expressed a need for MC education and training for academic and practice purposes (p = 0.015); and, that there are physical and mental health risks associated with cannabis use (p = 0.007). Additionally, undergraduate nursing students were less likely than postgraduates to report knowledge about MC effectiveness for a variety of medical conditions (p ≤ 0.047); personal cannabis use for recreational purposes (p < 0.001); and, medical (p = 0.018) or recreational (p < 0.001) cannabis use among family members. The vast majority of all nursing students surveyed reported the need for formal education about MC (i.e., theoretical, clinical, laws and regulations) as part of their studies. Greek nursing student attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about MC vary according to year of study and undergraduate/postgraduate status. From this study, formal education on MC is recommended for Greek nursing students.

Giannakopoulou M ，Vouzavali F ，Paikopoulou D ，Paschali A ，Mpouzika MDA ，Karanikola MNK ... -  《-》

Medical cannabis attitudes, beliefs and knowledge among Greek-Cypriot University nursing students.

We aimed to explore the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of nursing students about medical cannabis use in Cyprus. Special focus was given on gender differences and the year of studentship. A descriptive, cross-sectional study with internal comparisons was performed on undergraduate nursing students in Cyprus. Pearson chi-square test for group differences was employed. A total of 252 questionnaires were anonymously and voluntarily completed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were assessed. 21 % male and 79 % female were included in the sample (response rate 62.7 %). Third year student participants reported more frequent use of cannabis for all reasons - for themselves, friends and family (p < 0.05). Furthermore, they reported more positive statements on the effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating medical conditions (p < 0.05). Moreover, female students reported more frequently the necessity of incorporating medical cannabis training into academic curricula (p < 0.05). Given the reported lack of knowledge, enrichment of nursing curricula with medical cannabis related courses and lectures, both theoretical and clinical/ laboratory, are proposed. The associations of attitudes with gender and years of studentship point to the need of taking these factors into consideration for relevant education and training.

Sokratous S ，Mpouzika MDA ，Kaikoushi K ，Hatzimilidonis L ，Koutroubas VS ，Karanikola MNK ... -  《-》