Blood Alcohol Levels, Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Substance Abuse Among Long Distance Truck Drivers in An Urban Motor Park in Edo State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Introduction
In Nigeria, alcohol use is common among commercial and long distance vehicle drivers. Alcohol can affect drivers’ vigilance, attention, cognition, judgment, and reaction, which were related to driving ability closely. Even at low doses, alcohol significantly affects driving-related skills such as vision, braking behavior, and vigilance. This study seeks to estimate of blood alcohol levels, patterns of alcohol consumption and substance abuse among long distance truck drivers in an Urban Motor Park in Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in conducting this study among 315 Truck long distance drivers. A systematic random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents and alcohol use was also assessed using Alcomate ® Core Breathalyzer. Alcohol breath test < 0.5mg/dl (or 0.05% of blood alcohol) was seen as within limit (legal limit for alcohol in Nigeria), while ≥ 0.5mg/dl (or 0.05% of blood alcohol) was regarded as over the limit. Statistical Package for Scientific Solutions (SPSS) version 20.0 software was used for analysis.
Results More than half 172 (54.6%) of drivers consumed alcohol, while less than half 143 (45.4%) of Truck drivers did not consume alcohol. 121 (70.3%) of the drivers consumed alcohol on more than four times a week, 28 (16.3%) consume alcohol 2 – 3 times weekly. Two third 114 (65.7%) of respondents consumed 1-2 bottles on a sitting (per episode), 58 (33.7%) consume 3 -5 bottles on a sitting. Majority 104 (60.5%) of the respondents consume 3- 6 units of alcohol (i.e. between 23.7grams and 47.4grams) at an episode, while 68 (39.5%) consume 9 – 15 units (i.e. between 71.1grams and 118.5grams) which is more than the recommended units of alcohol, 62 (36.0%) respondents consumed mainly beer, a higher proportion 76 (44.27%) consumed spirit 13 (7.6%) consumed Alcoholic herbal mixture, 4 (2.3%) take alcoholic concoctions. 250 (79.0%) had alcohol in their system, but 65 (20.6%) had none. About 43 (13.7%) respondents had blood alcohol levels above acceptable legal limits (> 0.05% of blood alcohol). 207 (65.7%) had alcohol above legal limits, thus unfit to drive the trucks. On other substance use 144 (45.7%) used kola nut, 20 (6.3%) used Indian hemp, 70 (22.2%) use cigarettes while no respondent uses cocaine, 120 (38.1%) used drugs that were not prescribed by a doctor.
Conclusion
Drivers Union, road safety officers and transport company owners should organize a peer group cooperation, discussions and advocacy event to ensure all members avoid use of alcohol and other substances while driving. Health education and promotion program to enable sustained behavioural change in avoiding alcohol and illicit substances. They should conduct periodic alcohol breath test to screen drivers who will be allowed to embark on a trip. and to monitor driver’s alcohol levels to mitigate alcohol consumption before driving.
