Use of cigarette and marijuana among long distance commercial drivers in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Objective: Motorized automobile accident or simply auto accident is a substantial cause of ailments as well as death in our neighbourhood and driving under the influence of various agents affecting the central nervous system (CNS) such as cigarette & marijuana have been associated with the occurrence of auto accidents as most users believe these agents will help control probable sleep while driving and as well enhance their driving. This study is therefore designed to examine the use of cigarette & marijuana among long distance commercial drivers in the course of driving in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: An open-ended structured questionnaire was administered consecutively to 405 consenting male long distance commercial drivers by interviewer in each of the selected parks in Akure. The cross-sectional survey questionnaire comprised sections on socio-demographic data, driving experience, ocular history, auto-accident history as well as information about the use of cigarette & marijuana. Results: The mean age (SD) was 38.4 (9.5) years while the mean (SD) driving duration was 8.1 (5.8) years and mean (SD) distance covered 285.3 (197.4) km. 144 respondents (35.6%) had primary school leaving certificate while 103 respondents (25.4%) had secondary school leaving certificate with 22 respondents (5.4%) having no form of western education. 205 respondents (50.6%) trained at a registered driving school with mean (SD) training period of 2.4 (3.8) months. 155 drivers (38.3%) had been involved into auto accident in the past five years. The prevalence of cigarette/snuff and marijuana use shortly before or while driving was 11.9% and 2.2% respectively. Conclusion: Use of cigarette, snuff & marijuana is very rampant among long distance commercial drivers in Akure, Nigeria. Thus, more education on the possible risks/hazards of these conducts is required for these drivers alongside the entire populace so as ascertain safer roads in the country.