Road transport workers willingness to quit psychoactive substances use in selected motor parks in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Psychoactive substances particularly alcohol and tobacco are the important health hazards and known risk factors for non-communicable diseases especially among transport workers and are the leading cause of preventable death in Nigeria. The goal of this study was to assess the Willingness to Quit (WTQ) psychoactive substances (cigarette and alcohol) use among Road Transport Workers (RTWs). This study also highlight the factors influencing respondent’s willingness to quit psychoactive substances.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 232 RTWs in five selected major motor parks in Abeokuta. Data was collected by interview method using a pretested questionnaire. Contingent Valuation Method and Logit regression was used estimate the respondent’s willingness to quit and its associated determinants.

Findings: About 43% of the respondents are willing to quit for the increase in price, while 48% were willing to quit cigarette consumption if 25% increment in prices were imposed. Over one-third of the smokers reported their willingness to quit. In the study, it was found that 43% of the respondents are willing to quit with a mean amount of N450.5 (US$1.2) per pack of cigarette and mean amount of N525.5 (US$1.4) per bottle of alcohol respectively.

Conclusion: The study conclude that previous attempts to quit were significantly associated with the willingness to quit smoking and drinking. This suggest non – tax policy measure of non-smoking/drinking environment with a view to seriously banning their use in public places especially in motor packs in order to achieve better psychoactive substances cessation outcomes.