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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, petroleum tanker drivers (TDs) are often involved in road traffic accidents which are often associated with damage to properties and infrastructures, loss of body parts and death. There is therefore a need to explore ways of mitigating this menace.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances among TDs in Lagos, Nigeria Method: A cross sectional weighted proportionate simple random sampling of TDs were selected for the study. Respondents who gave consent to partake in the study and satisfy the inclusion criteria were interviewed using the modified version of the WHO student drug survey questionnaire.
FINDINGS: 550 respondents completed the interview and showed a relatively high level of information and knowledge concerning the presence, availability and use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and cannabis. Lifetime use prevalence of alcohol was 71.6%, tobacco 69.8% and caffeine 50.9% while the current use prevalence of alcohol was 57.6%. Predictive factors for current drug use were presence of multiple sex partners and previous involvement in road traffic accidents. The use of non-commercial alcohol, either alone or together with commercial alcohol, is quite prevalent.
CONCLUSION: Increased and sustained education programmes on alcohol and other drugs, in addition to other measures, should be targeted towards TDs in Nigeria.
Language: en |