Risk factors associated with driving after marijuana use among West Virginia college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors associated with driving after marijuana use (DAMU) among West Virginia college students.MethodsParticipants were recruited from West Virginia University between September and November 2022. The study sample was restricted to students who were >= 18 years of age; reported recently driving; possessed a current, valid driver's license from any US state; and were enrolled for at least one credit hour in the Fall 2022 semester.ResultsAmong respondents (N = 772), 28.9% reported DAMU. Students who had a GPA of B (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-4.42), smoked or ingested marijuana in the past year (AOR: 26.51, 95% CI: 10.27-68.39), drove after drinking (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.18-4.79), and used both marijuana and alcohol concurrently and then drove (AOR: 10.39, 95% CI: 2.32-46.54) associated with DAMU. Individuals who felt the behavior was somewhat dangerous or not dangerous or thought their peers approved of DAMU showed significant associations with DAMU.ConclusionsAs DAMU was prevalent, future interventions that raise awareness of the danger and potential consequences of DAMU may be needed to reduce this risky behavior on college campuses.