Global socio-cultural and family context of Serbian society intensifies risks of marijuana use (MU).

Prevalence of MU in young population in Serbia and identification of family factors related to increased risk of MU.

Five indicators were examined: prevalence of MU, age of first MU, MU during one month before survey, motives for MU, family factors of risk for MU.

The study included 2987 participants aged between 16 and 35 years from different parts of Serbia. Collection of data was conducted in April 2007. Participants completed self-administered anonymous questionnaires (modified YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOUR SURVEY) that consisted of sociodemographic characteristics and experiences related to MU.

The prevalence of lifetime MU among participants was 32%. First use was reported by 14% to occur at the age of sixteen or younger. During one month before survey 10% of participants had smoked marijuana. Risk of MU in regular cigarette smokers is two-fold higher than in non-smokers. Key motives for MU are curiosity (59%), achieving “good mood” (12%), persuasion by persons of the same age (11%), the emotional crisis (8,5%). Alcoholism of both parents and family dysfunctionality - especially physical and verbal conflicts between parents - were related to significantly higher risk of marijuana use.

Early use of marijuana, history of family disorganization, parental alcoholism and conflicts were identified as factors significantly related to increased risk of marijuana use among young population in Serbia.