Prevalence and Pattern of Stimulants Use among Long-distance Truck Drivers in a Truck Part in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Stimulant use is recognized as an important factor in road safety worldwide, and concerns are growing over the incidence of road traffic accidents among drivers who drive under the influence of stimulants. Yearly, more than 1.25 million people lose their lives as a result of road traffic accidents, many of which are associated with stimulant use.

Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with stimulant use among long‑distance truck drivers in a truck part in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted in a truck park in Marraraban Jos in Kaduna State. A structured, interviewer‑administered  questionnaire was used to obtain data. A total of 152 respondents were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi‑square and  Fisher’s exact tests were used to identify the relationship between categorical variables with a level of significance at P < 0.05.

Results: A total of 152 respondents participated in the study with a mean age of 33 ± 5 years. The prevalence of stimulant use was 64.5%. Only 92  (60.7%) drivers reported using stimulants on rare occasions. Years of driving experience was found to be associated with stimulant use (P = 0.031).  Other sociodemographic variables were shown not to be significantly related to stimulant use.

Conclusion: The prevalence of stimulant use was found to be high among the drivers, with less experienced drivers more likely to use stimulants.  Efforts on improving road safety should include reducing stimulant use, especially among the younger less experienced drivers.

Keywords: Jos, long‑distance drivers, Nigeria, stimulants