Older Adults Infrequently Screened for Cannabis and Illicit Drugs in Healthcare Settings
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has found that only about one-third of older adults in the United States reported being screened for cannabis or illicit drugs during their healthcare encounters in the past year. The study, which analyzed data from over 14,000 adults aged 65 and older, revealed significant variations in screening rates based on patient demographics and comorbidities.
Researchers from the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research found that older adults with two or more chronic conditions, moderate to severe mental illness, cannabis use, or higher income were more likely to be screened for cannabis or illicit drugs. On the other hand, Hispanic/Latine individuals were less likely to be screened.
The study also found that only about 8% of participants reported using cannabis in the past year, and only 19% of these individuals discussed their cannabis use with their healthcare providers. However, those with two or more chronic conditions or mild mental illness were more likely to have discussions with their clinicians about cannabis use.
The study’s lead author, Pia M. Mauro, emphasized the importance of healthcare providers initiating conversations with older adults about the potential risks associated with cannabis use, particularly for those with chronic diseases.
The findings of this study highlight the need for healthcare providers to be more proactive in addressing cannabis and illicit drug use among older adults, and to consider the unique needs and risks of this population.
