Riding under the influence: unravelling substance abuse patterns among motorcyclists in South-Eastern Nigeria

Francis Chibuike Anigwe; Ahoma Victor Mbanuzuru; Alphonsus Chukwuemeka Obi-Okaro; Gabriel Chidera Edeh; Michael Chukwuebuka Awugosi; Glory Uchenna Akwuobi; Samuel Ifeanyi Emmanuel; Chioma Faustina Ugwuanozie; Promise Ugochukwu Anisiobi

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20241220

Authors

Francis Chibuike Anigwe Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
Ahoma Victor Mbanuzuru Department of Community Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Alphonsus Chukwuemeka Obi-Okaro Department of Community Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Gabriel Chidera Edeh Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2212-7083
Michael Chukwuebuka Awugosi Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
Glory Uchenna Akwuobi Department of Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Samuel Ifeanyi Emmanuel Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
Chioma Faustina Ugwuanozie Department of Medicine and Surgery, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
Promise Ugochukwu Anisiobi Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20241220

Keywords:

Drug abuse, Motorcyclists, Okada riders, Prevalence, Substance use pattern

Abstract

Background: Drug and substance abuse has been outlined as a worldwide problem that is wreaking havoc on both social and public health across many nations. It is a global problem that affects both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess substance abuse among Okada riders in Nnewi, Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria.

Methods: Drug and substance abuse has been outlined as a worldwide problem that is wreaking havoc on both social and public health across many nations. It is a global problem that affects both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess substance abuse among Okada riders in Nnewi, Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria.

Results: About 221 Okada riders were assessed. Majority of them were middle aged. The mean age of the respondents were 39.5±11.1 years, with a range of 19-65 years. About 100% of the respondents were aware of substance abuse. Overall 73.3% of the respondents abuse at least a substance, with alcohol recording the highest use with 93.8% prevalence. About 77.2% of the abusers have taken these drugs before driving, and 65.2% have been involved in an accident, however only 5.4% admitted it was as a result of substance used.

Conclusions: The prevalence of substances use among Okada riders in Nnewi was high. There was however a high awareness of the negative consequences of use of substance. Non-governmental organizations should target Okada riders for interpersonal communication interventions to help mitigate the use of substances.

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