Among 35,369 Spanish adolescents, lower perceived risk of cannabis and higher perceived accessibility mediated the relationship between demographic factors and past-30-day cannabis use.
Prevention researchers, educators, and policymakers designing youth substance use programs.
Risk perception and accessibility mediated most pathways to cannabis use
What the researchers found
Male sex, older age, and past-30-day tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use were associated with cannabis use. Cannabis risk perception and perceived accessibility mediated most of these relationships. Lower frequency of reading was a risk factor for cannabis use.
Why it matters
Understanding that risk perception and accessibility are modifiable mediators of cannabis use suggests concrete targets for prevention programs.
The numbers in context
35,369 adolescents. Male sex, older age, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use predicted cannabis use. Risk perception and accessibility mediated most pathways. Reading frequency was a protective factor.
How the study worked
Analysis of Spain's 2016 National Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education (ESTUDES) with 35,369 adolescents (50.1% female). Structural equation modeling identified predictors and tested mediation through cannabis risk perception and accessibility.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish causal direction. Self-reported data. Spanish context may not generalize. Risk perception may be a consequence rather than cause of use.
How to read the evidence
Very large national sample with sophisticated modeling, though cross-sectional design limits causal claims.
When this study was published
Published in 2022 using 2016 survey data.
The bigger picture
Prevention programs that shift risk perception and reduce perceived accessibility may be more effective than those targeting demographic factors that cannot be changed.
Questions still open
- Would prevention programs targeting risk perception and accessibility reduce cannabis initiation? Does reading frequency reflect a broader protective lifestyle factor?
Common questions
What predicted cannabis use among Spanish teens?
Was reading protective against cannabis use?
Read the original research
Effects of Risk Perception and Accessibility on Cannabis Use among Young Population in Spain: Findings from the 2016 National Survey (ESTUDES).
Substance use & misuse, 57(1), 36-46
Citation
González-Roz, Alba; Aonso-Diego, Gema; Martínez-Loredo, Víctor; Cuesta, Marcelino; Secades-Villa, Roberto. (2022). Effects of Risk Perception and Accessibility on Cannabis Use among Young Population in Spain: Findings from the 2016 National Survey (ESTUDES).. Substance use & misuse, 57(1), 36-46. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2021.1981387
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