Journal of Drug Education: Substance Use Research and Prevention

Introduction and Aims: Cannabis use is increasingly common among young adults in Egypt. There is a lack of research on cannabis interventions among this group. This study examines Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT), a social-conformity based intervention, as a way to change indices of cannabis use among Egyptian college students. Design and Methods: Participants were n = 399 Egyptian college students. Participants reported cannabis use and perceived use norms. They were randomly assigned to receive a positively framed message about those who do not use cannabis or negatively framed message about those who do use cannabis. They then reported cannabis use intentions and self-disappointment (i.e., how disappointed in themselves they would feel) if they were to use cannabis. Results: Logistic regression results were that decreased odds of extreme self-disappointment associated with the belief that cannabis use was infrequent when presented with a negative frame about those who use cannabis. There were lower odds of extreme self-disappointment for participants who believed cannabis use was frequent when presented a positive frame about those who do not use cannabis. Both findings contradict DRT. Moderation results were that, among a small sample (n = 25), reporting less than extreme self-disappointment, there was an increase in self-disappointment in the negative frame as cannabis use norms decreased and an increase in self-disappointment in the positive frame as cannabis norms increased. Both findings are consistent with DRT. Discussion and Conclusions: Results were largely counter to US samples. These findings highlight the importance of identifying individuals who hold differing views on the acceptability of cannabis use in order to provide targeted messaging about cannabis use among Egyptian emerging adults.

Since April 1^st, 2024, recreational cannabis has been legalized in Germany. Following the legalization, an increase in cannabis consumption appeared likely; however, data supporting this statement is missing. Therefore, the current study examines changes in cannabis consumption after the legalization and investigates antecedents of cannabis use intention and behavior. Data from 605 adults were collected one month after the legalization (Time 1) and six months later (Time 2). Shortly after the cannabis legalization, attitude, subjective norm, intention, and perceived behavior control seem to be closely related to cannabis consumption. Although the data did not indicate increased cannabis consumption after the legalization, prevention programs—especially for vulnerable groups (e.g., adolescents)—should be implemented and focus on changing attitudes and perceived behavior control.

This study aims to understand the factors influencing maternal communication about over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers of children aged 2–10 years. Interview questions were based on constructs from the Integrative Behavioral Model (IBM), including beliefs, norms, and perceived behavioral control. Thematic analysis identified key factors influencing maternal communication about OTC drugs. Results showed that perceived control, knowledge and skills, and injunctive norms significantly affect mothers’ communication about OTC drugs with their children. These findings suggest that social norms-based health interventions could effectively reduce OTC drug misuse among youth by enhancing mothers’ knowledge and skills regarding OTC drugs, addressing perceived social norms, and promoting dialogic engagement between mothers and children.