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[This article belongs to Volume - 71, Issue - 2]
Published on : 2026-02-28 21:14:31
Article Code: AMJ-28-02-2026-12367
Title : Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression Among Young Cannabis Users: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Havana, Cuba
Author(s) : Carlos Hernández-López, María Vega-Santos, Roberto Morales- Cruz
Abstract :
Background & objectives: Cannabis use among young Cubans has increased significantly over the past decade despite restrictive public health policies. While the psychological consequences of cannabis use are well-documented globally, the relative contribution of sociodemographic, pattern-of-use, and neurocognitive determinants remains unclear in the Cuban context. This study aimed to evaluate self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms, and their association with demographic, cannabis use patterns, and cognitive functioning factors in young cannabis users in Havana.
Methods: In this community-based cross-sectional study, 168 young adults (aged 18-30 years) with regular cannabis use were recruited from municipalities in Havana. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Cognitive functioning was evaluated using the Spanish version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation with FDR correction, and hierarchical multiple regression with bootstrapped confidence intervals (1000 samples) were conducted.
Results: The median age of participants (n=168) was 23 years [IQR: 20-26], with 88% identifying as male. Moderate-to-severe anxiety was reported by 71.4% (n=120), while moderate-to-severe depression was reported by 62.5% (n=105). Cognitive impairment (MoCA <26) was observed in 38.7% (n=65). Earlier age of cannabis initiation (ρs=0.328, p<0.001) and higher frequency of use (ρs=0.295, p=0.001) showed significant positive correlations with anxiety severity after FDR correction. The final model explained 33% of variance in anxiety (adjusted R²=0.33) and 29% in depression (adjusted R²=0.29).
Interpretation & conclusion: Anxiety and depression symptoms in young Cuban cannabis users were driven primarily by early initiation and heavy use patterns rather than cognitive impairment alone. Neurocognitive alterations were insufficient to explain the high burden of psychological distress. Addressing mental health in cannabis-using populations requires a multifactorial approach, with attention to developmental timing of use and harm reduction strategies alongside psychological interventions.