ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AS A CORRELATE OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG DRIVERS IN SELECTED GARAGES IN AUCHI, EDO STATE

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption by drivers at the point of duty is a public health problem which endangers several families. 
 Objectives: The study assessed the pattern, types, sources, reason for alcohol consumption, effect as well as the anti-social behaviors associated with and related to its consumption among motor vehicle drivers in selected garages in Auchi, Edo State.
 Materials and methods: Descriptive study among 93 commercial vehicle drivers selected using simple random sampling technique. Data collected with a questionnaire were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 and reported in the form of frequencies, percentages and pie chart.
 Results: The drivers consumed alcohol often; typically consumed dry gin, local gin and herbs in gin which they majorly purchased at the motor park. The drivers use alcohol to reduce stress, gain self-confidence and enhance driving, even though they knew that it had effect on their health. Only a few commercial vehicle drivers reported that they exhibit anti-social behaviours which was contrary to the statistical result which showed that there were significant relationships between alcohol consumption and involvement in traffic offence cum fighting.
 Conclusions: The commercial vehicle drivers largely consume alcohol not minding the effect on their health. Therefore, policy actors should ensure that there is full compliance with the policies prohibit the sale and use of alcohol in motor parks.
 Word Count: 216 words