Prevalence and Risk Factors for Cannabis Use Among Tunisian Nursing Students

Results

The study included 300 nursing students, predominantly female (63%), with most participants aged 20–21 years (49%). All were single, and the majority (96%) had not repeated an academic year. Over half (54.3%) lived with their families. Among the students surveyed, 33.7% reported having used at least one addictive substance, while 66.3% had never used any. Cannabis use was reported by 14% of students. Among cannabis users, 57.1% showed signs of probable dependence, while 42.9% reported occasional or low use. The average cannabis use score was 7.14, suggesting a trend toward frequent use and a higher risk of dependence. Cannabis use was not significantly associated with age (p = 0.135), but significant differences were found by sex (p < 0.001), with higher use among males (10%) than females (4%). Academic level was also significant (p = 0.002), with decreasing prevalence from first (8%) to third year (3.3%). Repeating a year was associated with use (p = 0.003), although proportions were similar (2%) between repeaters and non-repeaters. Living situation showed no significant effect (p = 0.133), but students living away from family reported slightly higher use (8% vs. 6%). Multivariate analysis confirmed sex as a key factor, with males more likely to use cannabis (OR = 0.215, 95% CI \[0.099–0.466]). Academic level also remained significant, with higher use in earlier years. The effect of sex was further confirmed in iteration 4 (OR = 0.175, 95% CI \[0.084–0.364]). Repeating a year showed a potential association (OR = 3.528, 95% CI \[0.940–13.243]), though not consistently significant.