Abstract
Problem Significance Despite the adverse effects of prenatal cannabis use on infant health, including low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB), use among birthing people has increased in recent years in California. The economic impact of PTB and LBW is substantial, and infants born with PTB and LBW have a higher risk for perinatal morbidity and long-term health and social consequences, including developmental disabilities.
Community of Interest This capstone health intervention targets adolescents ages 15-19 years old in Sacramento, California. Adolescent cannabis use during pregnancy in the greater Sacramento Region is 7% higher than the state percentage (14.9% compared to 7.9%). This age group is particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of cannabis use as their brains are still developing, and they may not be fully aware of the risks associated with using the substance. Adolescent health and wellbeing should be considered a high priority.
Intervention Proposal The proposed intervention, Community Guidance and Linkages for Optimal Wellbeing (Community GLOW), is a comprehensive school and community-based program. The intervention includes health education strategies to increase knowledge and awareness of the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy among high school adolescents, school staff, and healthcare providers. Cannabis education and prevention workshop for high school adolescents in SCUSD will include a 2-session intervention at 50 minutes each. Alternatively, school staff, healthcare providers, and youth workers in a school or community setting will receive a pilot one-hour one-session cannabis education and prevention workshop.