Citation

Kahn H, Kahn MH. Middle East J. Age Aging 2006; 3(3): e5.

Affiliation

Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan; (hamza_kmc@yahoo.com)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Abyad Medical Center and Middle East Longevity Institute, Publisher medi+WORLD International)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the causes of initiation and promotion of cannabis smoking among local transport drivers of Peshawar.

Design, Settings and Duration: A descriptive observational study was conducted in the main wagon and bus stop in city, Haji camp bus stop and roadway house Hashtangri, from October 2004 to September 2005.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed in accordance with the objectives of the study. Relevant information was recorded from the respondents on the pre-designed questionnaire.

Results: A total of 400 smoker drivers were included. Of the total 181 (45.25%) were cannabis/marjuana smokers. The age range of the cannabis smokers was from 16 years to 65 years of age with mean age of 35.5 years. The distribution of smoking habits recorded was: cigarette smoking alone 19%, snuffing 23%, cannabis smoking 42.25%, heroin and cannabis smoking 3%. Out of the total cannabis smokers 43% were illiterate and 40% had primary education. Forty three percent had more than ten pack-years of cannabis smoking. The reason for exposure of the respondents was: to compensate fatigue 39.21%, influence from friends 31.49%, parents were smokers 11.6%, pleasure from smoking 8.83%. Ninety percent agreed that cannabis is easily available to them. Fifty seven percent had a poor social background. Thirty four percent had faced road accidents. The effect of cannabis on respondents was: lack of interest 36.46%, decreased memory 19%, depression 16%, sedation 5.52%. Maximum number of the respondents (19.33%) wanted to quit cannabis smoking.

Conclusion: Cannabis smoking is common in local transport drivers. The major causes that are involved in the initiation and progression of cannabis smoking are; driving in young age, poverty, lack of education, easy availability of cannabis, influence from colleagues and smoker parents.

Keywords: Cannabis impaired driving