Prevalence of cannabis use in Brazil: data from the I Brazilian National Alcohol Survey (BNAS).
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of cannabis use in the last 12 months in the Brazilian population and to examine its association with individual and geographic characteristics.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey with a national probabilistic sample.


METHODS
3006 individuals aged 14 to 65 years.


METHODS
Questionnaire based on well established instruments, adapted to the Brazilian population.


RESULTS
The 12-month prevalence of cannabis use was 2.1% (95%CI 1.3-2.9). Male gender, better educational level, unemployment and living in the regions South and Southeast were independently associated with higher 12-month prevalence of cannabis use.


CONCLUSIONS
While the prevalence of cannabis use in Brazil is lower than in many countries, the profile of those who are more likely to have used it is similar. Educational and prevention policies should be focused on specific population groups.
Jungerman
Flávia S
FS
Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine- University of São Paulo, Brazil. fla.de@uol.com.br
Menezes
Paulo Rossi
PR
Pinsky
Ilana
I
Zaleski
Marcos
M
Caetano
Raul
R
Laranjeira
Ronaldo
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult