PATIENTS PERCEPTIONS OF CHAMBA (MARIJUANA) USE IN MALAWI

This study examines the perceptions of the social aspects, triggers, a nd effects of chamba (marijuana) use among psychiatric patients at Zom ba Mental Hospital in Malawi. Focus groups were used to elicit respons es from 44 male and 10 female psychiatric patients about their percept ions of chamba use in Malawi. This study provides insight into these p atients' perceptions of the triggers and effects of their chamba use, and it has implications for the development of treatment and preventio n programs for chamba users in Malawi.