Cannabis addiction of adolescents in the Psychiatric Unite Care of Analankininina Toamasina Hospital in 2021

Introduction: Nowadays, cannabis consumption is observed as a real social phenomenon in Toamasina Madagascar. The objective of the study is to determine the epidemiological and clinical profile of cannabis addiction in adolescents hospitalized in the Psychiatry Department of Analankininina Toamasina Madagascar Hospital.
Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study using anonymous and confidential personal questionnaires. Were included hospitalized adolescents in the Psychiatry Department during the year 2021, declared to have a past of taking cannabis and presenting psychiatric disorders? The socio-demographic parameters, the clinical manifestations of psychiatric disorders, the personality traits and the level of cannabis dependence according to the DSM-5 were studied.
Results: The cases of 35 patients corresponding to the inclusion criteria were studied. The male was predominant in n = 24 or 68.57%. The adolescents between 15 and 18 years old presented more troubles in n = 29 or 82.86%. Teenagers with a school break at college level were the most represented in n = 15 or 42.86%, followed by high school students in n = 10 or 28.57%. The majority of adolescents had married parents in n = 20 or 57.14%. The adolescents reported in their antecedent a notion of affective neglect or lack of parental care in n = 10 or 28.57%.
Conclusion: Although fragmentary, the result of this study reflects the reality experienced by adolescents in Toamasina region. Mass psychoeducation through the development of sensitization through social networks and the mass media could contribute to a general awareness of adolescents to face against the proliferation of accessible psychotropic products.