Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Manoj Sharma

Abstract

AbstractIn the United States, over 40 million adults suffer from a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), with a 67% increase in overdose-related deaths. Research substantiates the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol (CBD) for GAD. Findings show that CBD, sourced from industrial hemp, may reduce anxiety symptoms. However, a problem exists for individuals deciding to subscribe to CBD’s oral administration because of the inability to remain compliant with the regimen. The measured steps that occur when a medication is prescribed are lacking when an individual accesses CBD independently. This quantitative cross-sectional study was designed to examine whether social cognitive theory explained the self-reported likelihood of CBD usage for GAD patients. The five constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) were operationalized: knowledge, expectations, situational perception, self-efficacy, and goal setting. The instrument was validated for face, content, and construct validity, and internal consistency reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha. The data collected from the sample of 114 were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression. There was a significant association with the likelihood of CBD usage found between three SCT constructs, namely goal setting, self-efficacy, and situational perception (p< 0.05). The inclusion of SCT was shown to explain the likelihood of CBD use for GAD. The fortification that results from the inclusion of SCT can enhance educational programs used to promote using CBD for those individuals struggling with GAD, with the end goal of influencing positive social change in the arena of public health.

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