Cannabis Use Among Ugandan Medical Students- Prevalence, Predictors, and Coping Strategies in a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction and Aims: Cannabis use among university students is a growing concern, particularly in demanding medical programs. We estimated prevalence, identified predictors, and compared coping strategies among medical students in Uganda. Design and Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 318 undergraduates at Kampala International University (Western Campus). Cannabis use and hazardous/disordered use were screened with CUDIT-R (hazardous 8–11; probable use disorder ≥12, DSM-5-TR aligned). Coping was measured with the Brief COPE. Predictors were assessed using logistic regression; coping differences with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: Cannabis use prevalence was 30.8% (n = 98); 7.6% met criteria for hazardous use and 9.4% for probable cannabis use disorder.Independent predictors of use were being separated (AOR=12.00), being single (AOR=3.45),Catholic faith (AOR=2.76), and longer time at campus (AOR = 1.16 per year). Users reported higher emotion-focused and avoidant coping; problem-focused coping did not differ. Discussion and Conclusions: Cannabis use among Ugandan medical students is common and associated with relationship status, religion, and time at campus. Coping profiles suggest greater reliance on maladaptive strategies among users. Findings support campus policies and mental-health programsthat integrate substance-use screening and strengthen adaptive coping skills.