Exploring Medical Marijuana Knowledge and Perceptions among a Community-Based Sample

Exploring Medical Marijuana Knowledge and Perceptions among a Community-Based Sample Abstract Background: The increasing number of states legalizing marijuana suggests that a growing majority of adults now see marijuana as offering more benefits than risks. As use increases, the need to better understand user characteristics and the nature of their beliefs also increases. Purpose: This exploratory study investigates the knowledge and perceptions of medical marijuana among community-based individuals. We theorize that demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, social network, health status, and knowledge about marijuana are associated with the number of conditions the person believes marijuana treats. Methods: The study utilizes a convenience sample, a non-probability technique of individuals attending a local festival (n = 141). The dependent variable for this study is a count of the number of conditions participants believe medical marijuana may be used to treat. The study includes three measures of demographics and two measures of SES. The remaining measures, social network, health status, and marijuana knowledge were operationalized using proxy measures. The data were analyzed using OLS regression. Results: Most respondents (81%) were Black/African American, 77% were females, 38% were 41 years or older, 53% had a salary greater than $30,000, and 87% had private insurance. The regression shows that having private insurance and higher perceived health status are negatively associated with the dependent variable. Having more comorbidities, better perceived mental health, knowing that marijuana may be obtained from a dispensary, and agreeing with its use have a positive association with the dependent variable. Discussion: Knowledge and beliefs about medical marijuana vary by user demographic. While some of the beliefs are accurate, some individuals are more willing to believe in the efficacy of medical marijuana solely based on anecdotal reports. Consumers of lower SES could benefit from targeted educational messages and access to medical-grade cannabis

Exploring the Association of Physician Characteristics to Patient Requests for Genetic Testing

Background: Cancer genomic testing improves health outcomes for individuals at risk, drives cost-efficiency, and facilitates healthcare equity; however, little is known about how physician demographic and practice characteristics influence patient requests for genetic testing. Purpose: To explore whether (and to what extent) physician demographic and practice characteristics are associated with patient requests for cancer genetic testing. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design survey was distributed to 1240 primary care physicians registered with the state health department who had active licenses and main practices in Florida. Primary care physicians were defined as those who practice family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology. The survey tool was developed from a search of the literature and two previously validated surveys. It was administered using a modified Dillmanstrategy. The study sample size was 317 physicians, with an 85% response rate based upon a targeted sample of 372. Statistical calculations were performed using SPSS version 27 and STATA release 17.Results: Logistic regression model found significant associations between patient requests and physicians\u27 race and professional practice size. Physicians identified as White were 1.840 times as likely to have patient requests for genetic testing (p=.036) than physicians whose race was other than White. Physicians whose professional practices were solo or small groups were 2.39 times as likely to have patient requests (p=.001) than physicians affiliated with larger practices. Discussion: Patient requests may be leveraged by physicians, other healthcare providers, and public health professionals; patient requests present a significant opportunity for increasing genetic testing and thus promoting better health outcomes for patients with Lynch syndrome-related colorectal cancer