Exploring Potential Predictors and Mediators of Marijuana Use Among US Women: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

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The figure shows arrows coming from 7 text boxes on the left and 4 text boxes in the middle. Arrows come from the text boxes on the left and come to an end at the text boxes in the middle or the one on the right, which is marked “Past-year marijuana use.” Arrows from 2 of the text boxes in the middle lead to the text box on the right. The arrows represent significant pathways; those that point to the text box marked “Past-year marijuana use” represent significant pathways to marijuana use. The arrows show that age had a direct effect on past-year marijuana use and an indirect effect on past-year marijuana use in the presence of past-year major depressive episodes. Race and ethnicity had a direct effect on marijuana use and an indirect effect on past-year marijuana use in the presence of past-year major depressive episodes. Marital status had an indirect effect on past-year marijuana use and an effect on past-year marijuana use in the presence of past-year major depressive episodes and past-year illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. Education had an indirect effect on past-year marijuana use in the presence of past-year illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. County had a direct effect on past-year major depressive episodes and an indirect effect on past-year marijuana use in the presence of past-year major depressive episodes. Past criminal history had a direct effect on past-year marijuana use and on past-year major depressive episodes and past-year illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use as well as an indirect effect on past-year marijuana use in the presence of past-year major depressive episodes and past-year illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. Binge drinking had a direct effect on past-year marijuana use and on past-year illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use as well as an indirect effect on past-year marijuana use in the presence of past-year illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use.

Figure. Structural equation model showing significant pathways associated with marijuana use among US women aged 18 to 44 years, 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Values shown are standardized pathway coefficients (β). Only significant pathways (P < .05) are displayed. Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; PY–MDE, past year major depressive episode; PY–IDTA, past year illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use.

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