Prevalence of drinking and driving in Nigeria: a survey of Ibadan Motor Parks

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to examine socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence and risk factors of driving under influence of alcohol (DUI) and other alcohol related disorders among commercial drivers. Method: Four hundred and twenty two subjects were drawn from a multistage sample of 616 commercial drivers from South-West Nigeria. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to elicit the diagnosis of substance use disorder. An opinion survey was used to complement findings from the CIDI. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine risk factors for DUI. Results: Lifetime use of alcohol was 91.5% and current use 76.8%, lifetime prevalence of DUI was 51%, prevalence of past year road accidents was 36%. Risk factors for DUI include: hired driver (OR = 7.1,95% CI 3.1 -11.9), previous DUI accident (OR = 5.7, 95% CI 2.2-14.2), being single (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.09-6.7), opinion that there is no policy on DUI (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.9-9.3). Conclusion: This study has reported a high prevalence of DUI among commercial drivers. These drivers put the lives of their passengers at risk and probably contribute to road accidents. Findings underscore the need for appropriate policies for accident prevention.