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Canna~Fangled Abstracts

Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Medical Cannabis

By August 21, 2023August 31st, 2023No Comments

. 2023;1425:401-415.

doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-31986-0_39.

Iliana Tsampoula 1, Afroditi Zartaloudi 2, Evangelos Dousis 1, Ioannis Koutelekos 1, Niki Pavlatou 1, Georgia Toulia 1, Antonia Kalogianni 1, Maria Polikandrioti 1
Affiliations 

Abstract

Introduction: Medical cannabis has been used to relieve the symptoms of people with various chronic diseases. Despite of this, it has been stigmatized, even after its legalization in many countries.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of life of patients receiving medical cannabis.

Material and method: One hundred patients receiving medical cannabis were given (a) a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, and (b) the SF-36 Health Survey scale for assessing quality of life.

Results: The majority of our patients who received medical cannabis to treat their neurological disorders (58%) reported decrease in their symptoms (96%), better energy and vitality (68%), ability to perform their professional duties (88%), and an improvement in sleeping and appetite (79% and 71%, respectively) after receiving medical cannabis. Our participants exhibited very few restrictions in activities due to emotional difficulties, a moderate general health status as well as moderate vitality and energy. Participants, who reported a longer period of receiving medical cannabis, reported statistically significant more energy and vitality (p = 0.000), but also better mental (p = 0.000) and general health status (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the majority of patients have disclosed medical cannabis use to their family members (85%) and enjoyed their support (93%), but they haven’t revealed their medication treatment to their social environment (81%).

Conclusions: Appropriate knowledge could significantly help health professionals in the field of planning and implementation of personalized nursing care in order to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords: Medical cannabis, Quality of life, SF-36

References

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