by Robert Colonna a,* , Zuha Pathan a , Anupradi Sultania a , Liliana Alvarez b
a Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Canada
b School of Occupational Therapy, Western University, London, Canada
ARTICLE INFO:
Keywords:
Cannabis
Driving under the influence of cannabis
young drivers
systematic review
impaired driving
ABSTRACT:
Background: With recreational cannabis legalized across Canada, concerns persist about youth driving under the
influence of cannabis (DUIC). However, the extent of DUIC education and prevention efforts aimed at young
Canadians remains unclear. This systematic review examines recent Canadian initiatives (2017 onwards) focused
on reducing DUIC among youth. Specifically, we investigate (1) the types of initiatives and target audiences, (2)
content and delivery methods, (3) sustainability, and (4) evidence of impact.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE
(January 1, 2017–July 10, 2023), along with various grey literature sources. Initiatives were included if they
targeted DUIC behaviour among youth aged 16 to 24, were developed and delivered in Canada by reputable
organizations or individuals with institutional support, and aimed to address DUIC behaviour or its enabling
conditions. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed.
Results: Fifteen Canadian initiatives were identified: seven educational programs and eight awareness campaigns,
encompassing national and regional levels. Delivery methods included in-person workshops, digital tools, online
programs, and smartphone applications. While some initiatives increased awareness and influenced perceptions
of DUIC, evidence of behaviour change remained limited. Challenges related to sustainability, particularly
concerning long-term funding and digital platform maintenance, were noted.
Conclusions: This research highlights the progress made in addressing youth DUIC in Canada. Examining current
DUIC educational initiatives is crucial for refining strategies, shaping policy, and allocating resources to prioritize the safety of young Canadians. Future efforts should focus on assessing behavioural impacts and ensuring financial sustainability and program longevity.
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Source: Stoned on the road