Survey Found Marijuana Use Was Linked to Suicidal Thoughts in Zambian Adolescents
Among nearly 2,000 in-school Zambian adolescents, those who had ever used marijuana were more likely to report suicidal ideation in the past year, though the association was modest.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Using data from the 2004 Zambia Global School-Based Health Survey, researchers analyzed responses from 1,970 in-school adolescents regarding suicidal ideation and behavioral risk factors.
Overall, 31.3% of students reported having seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, with no significant difference between males (31.1%) and females (31.4%). A striking 35.9% reported having ever smoked marijuana.
In logistic regression analysis, ever having used marijuana was positively associated with suicidal ideation (OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.17-1.19). Other associated factors included having been drunk, feeling worried, and feeling sad or hopeless. Being male and being under 14 years old were also positively associated.
Unexpectedly, loneliness appeared protective (OR=0.92), which the authors noted was counterintuitive and may reflect methodological issues.
Key Numbers
1,970 adolescents surveyed. 31.3% reported suicidal ideation in past 12 months. 35.9% had ever used marijuana. 40.8% were current drinkers. Marijuana association with suicidal ideation: OR=1.18 (95% CI 1.17-1.19). Alcohol intoxication: OR=1.28.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional analysis of the 2004 Zambia Global School-Based Health Survey, a school-based self-report questionnaire administered to 1,970 adolescents. Backward logistic regression was used to assess associations between risk factors and suicidal ideation.
Why This Research Matters
This study provided data from sub-Saharan Africa, a region underrepresented in cannabis and mental health research. The high rate of both suicidal ideation (31.3%) and marijuana use (35.9%) among Zambian school students highlights the scale of these issues in this population.
The Bigger Picture
This study contributed to the global evidence base linking substance use and suicidal ideation in adolescents. The relatively modest association between marijuana use and suicidal thoughts (OR=1.18) was smaller than the association with alcohol intoxication (OR=1.28), providing context for the relative contributions of different substances.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether marijuana use contributes to suicidal ideation or whether both share common underlying causes. Self-report data from adolescents may be unreliable. The "ever used" marijuana measure doesn't capture frequency or recency. Non-response bias may affect the suicidal ideation results.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does the association between marijuana use and suicidal ideation persist after controlling for additional confounders like family environment and trauma?
- ?Are these patterns similar in other African countries?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 31.3% of Zambian students reported suicidal ideation; 35.9% had used marijuana
- Evidence Grade:
- This is a cross-sectional survey with a large sample but self-reported data and no ability to establish causation. The narrow confidence intervals suggest statistical precision but not causal certainty.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2007 using 2004 survey data. Subsequent Global School-Based Health Surveys have continued to monitor these trends across African countries.
- Original Title:
- Suicidal ideation and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Zambia.
- Published In:
- Tanzania health research bulletin, 9(3), 202-6 (2007)
- Authors:
- Muula, A S, Kazembe, L N, Rudatsikira, E, Siziya, S
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00284
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does marijuana cause suicidal thoughts?
This study found an association but cannot determine causation. It is possible that marijuana use contributes to suicidal ideation, that suicidal ideation leads to marijuana use as self-medication, or that both are driven by shared factors like adversity or mental health conditions.
Why was the suicidal ideation rate so high?
The 31.3% rate reflects a broad survey question about whether students "seriously considered" suicide in the past year. Rates of actual suicide attempts would be substantially lower. Adolescent populations globally report relatively high rates of suicidal ideation on anonymous surveys.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00284APA
Muula, A S; Kazembe, L N; Rudatsikira, E; Siziya, S. (2007). Suicidal ideation and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Zambia.. Tanzania health research bulletin, 9(3), 202-6.
MLA
Muula, A S, et al. "Suicidal ideation and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Zambia.." Tanzania health research bulletin, 2007.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Suicidal ideation and associated factors among in-school ado..." RTHC-00284. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/muula-2007-suicidal-ideation-and-associated
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.