Non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs at workplace among skilled workers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The escalating non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs and associated problems in Nigeria in recent times cannot be overemphasized. Certain skilled workers are more at risk of drug use due to the stressful conditions of their work. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs among hairstylists and mechanics in Osogbo, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 118 purposively selected participants aged between 18 and 45 years (M = 28.57; SD = 7.23). Data were collected with the UNODC Problem Drug Use Questionnaire and subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS v23. Results: Tramadol and codeine were the most common drugs used for non-medical purposes among the participants. The lifetime, past year and past month prevalence for tramadol and codeine use were 23.4%, 19.5% and 16.8%, and 20.6%, 18.0% and 13.9% respectively. Level of education (X2 = 9.46, p ≤ 0.05) and living situation (X2 = 11.28, p ≤ 0.05) significantly correlated with non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs. Conclusion: The prevalence of non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs among skilled workers is high. Studies addressing factors influencing this phenomenon and associated consequences should be conducted.