Tobacco and cannabis use among teenagers in the United States is a growing concern, with significant implications for mental health. This article delves into recent findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, which assesses the prevalence and impact of these substances on youth mental health.

Smoking Habits in Young Americans

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH):

• Tobacco Use: 7.3% of teenagers reported using tobacco in the past 30 days.
• Cannabis Use: 6.4% of teenagers reported using cannabis in the past 30 days.
• Concurrent Use: 5.4% of individuals reported using both tobacco and cannabis concurrently, surpassing the rates of exclusive use of either substance.

These statistics do not account for the rising use of newer products such as electronic cigarettes and vaporised cannabis, underscoring the need for updated data and further research.

About the PATH Study

The PATH Study is a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study that tracks tobacco and cannabis use among U.S. adults and youths aged 12 years and older. Key details of the study include:

• Baseline Data Collection: Conducted from January 2013 to December 2014.
• Participants: The study included 45,971 participants, with an additional 7,207 ‘shadow youths’ aged nine to 11.
• Wave Four Additions: A probability sample of 14,098 participants was added.
• Wave Six Data: Collected from March to November 2021, including 5,652 youths aged 14 to 17.

Mental Health Assessments

Mental health problems in the PATH Study were assessed using a modified version of the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener (GAIN-SS), which measures:

• Internalising Issues: Such as anxiety and depression.
• Externalising Behaviours: Such as impulsivity and aggression.

Substance Use Patterns and Mental Health

Tobacco and cannabis use patterns were categorised into four groups:

1. Non-use
2. Tobacco-only
3. Cannabis-only
4. Concurrent Use

Covariates in the study included age, sex, race, parental education, and other substance use. Ordinal logistic regressions were employed to examine associations between these substance use patterns and mental health outcomes, adjusting for the covariates.

Implications and Future Research

The study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of concurrent tobacco and cannabis use on youth mental health to inform public health efforts and policies. As the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporised cannabis continues to rise, ongoing research and updated data are essential to address these evolving trends.

Source: News Medical