Geographic ecological momentary assessment methods to examine spatio-temporal exposures associated with marijuana use among young adults: A pilot study. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rhew, Isaac C.; Hurvitz, Philip M.; Lyles-Riebli, Rose; Lee, Christine M.
• Is Part Of: Spatial and spatio-temporal epidemiology. Volume 41(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Geographic ecological momentary assessment -- Spatio-temporal factors -- Marijuana -- Young adults -- Geographic information system -- Poverty; Epidemiology -- Statistical methods -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2022.100479
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1877-5845

Abstract

Highlights: This study applied geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) methods in young adult marijuana users. Spatio-temporal variables such as exposure to marijuana retail outlets were created. Spatio-temporal variables can be temporally linked with EMA data. GEMA may help identify spatio-temporal factors associated with real-time marijuana use. Abstract: Background: This study demonstrates the use of geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) methods among young adult marijuana users. Method: Participants were 14 current marijuana users ages 21–27 living in Greater Seattle, Washington. They completed brief surveys four times per day for 14 consecutive days, including measures of marijuana use and desire to use. They also carried a GPS data logger that tracked their spatial movements over time. Results: Participants completed 80.1% of possible EMA surveys. Using the GPS data, we calculated daily number of exposures to (i.e., within 100-m of) marijuana retail outlets (mean = 3.9 times per day; SD = 4.4) and time spent per day in high poverty census tracts (mean = 7.3 h per day in high poverty census tracts; SD = 5.1). Conclusions: GEMA may be a promising approach for studying the role spatio-temporal factors play in marijuana use and related factors.